By Krystal Smalley
ksmalley@wbcowqel.com
Water rate hikes are something that have been hovering out of sight like an ugly specter for Bucyrus citizens for a while now but Service/Safety Director Jeff Wagner made them official Tuesday night.
The water rate increases have been discussed during numerous meetings now as the city prepares for a new water treatment plant. The first official numbers were presented at a meeting with Gary Williams of Jones & Henry Engineers, Ltd. in March.
Wagner told Council Tuesday night that after making recommendations on the type of building, the water treatment process, and projected increases, it was time to move forward to make this project a reality.
“This is the first review of our rates since 2002,” Wagner said. “Water rate increases is not popular by any means but is necessary to build a much needed facility.”
As the Bucyrus Service/Safety Director, Wagner said it was his job to set the rates to offset the cost of construction while still maintaining the city’s current water treatment plant operations.
The increases will kick in with the city resident’s June 15 meter reading. Those statements will be mailed out July 1 and are due by July 10.
The rates will increase by $1.73 per 100 cubic feet, with a minimum charge of 200 cubic feet.
“This means if your bill shows a ‘2’ for two cubic feet, your increase will be $3.46. If your bill shows a ‘3,’ it will be a $5.19 increase,” Wagner said.
Residents who are unsure of the billing can call the Service/Safety Director’s office at 419-562-6767 ext. 221.
An example of the water rate increases can be found in the chart below.
Bucyrus City Council passed ten pieces of legislation Tuesday night, including the 2014 Mill and Pave Project. A complete list of the repair work can be found here. In addition to the projects announced at last week’s Platting Committee, Wagner noted that they will try to add E. Mansfield St. in sections. The work will consist of concrete work done in some places and inches of blacktop added to others.
Additional legislation passed during the evening Council meeting included:
- numerous appropriations;
- creating new fund for the Ohio Public Works fund and the water treatment project;
- closing streets for the Customs and Classics Car Show;
- authorizing the mayor to enter into contract with the Ohio Water Development Authority;
- authorizing the Service/Safety Director to enter into an agreement with the Crawford County Board of Developmental Disabilities to operation the Aumiller Pool concession stand
- authorizing the mayor to enter a partnership agreement with Crawford County and Galion for the 2014 CHIP grant; and
- authorizing the Service/Safety Director to advertise for bids for the North Sandusky Waterline.
Four committee meetings have been set for May 27. Economic Development Committee will meet first at 4:15 p.m., followed by the Service Committee at 4:30. The Health and Safety Committee will meet at 5:00 and the Finance Committee will round out the meetings with one scheduled for 5:30.