$88 /year water, sewer hike eyed

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by Brent Hovey

Reporter

Aurora -- Some City Council members have said they are in favor of one big increase in water and sewer rates rather than several smaller yearly hikes.

But at their July 28 meeting, members again held off on voting on the issue.

A 15 percent increase in water rates and 11 percent in sewer rates -- which translate into a total $88 per year for the average residential customer -- have been on the agenda since June 9, but no action has been taken.

The proposal has been on third reading for about a month, and Council President James Fisher said members are waiting for all members to be present before a vote is taken. A vote could come at Council's Aug. 11 meeting.

At least one Councilman has been absent each of the last two meetings. Fisher said July 28 he expects a full panel to be present Aug. 11.

Summer vacations have been cited as why a full panel hasn't been available.

Under the current proposal, Finance Director Bob Paul said a resident's average quarterly bill for the two utilities would increase from $160 to $182.

"It's a heavy burden next year, but after that, the only increases will be ones imposed by Portage County and Cleveland," he said.

CURRENTLY, water and sewer operating funds are in the red. Paul said with the proposed increase, they will be in the black by the end of 2009.

The proposal was first presented to the city's finance committee in February.

"It's taken so long because we want to make sure we put the best program forward for everyone," said Ward 4 Councilman George Horvat, who is chairman of the finance committee.

"No matter what you do, someone will not like it, but it's something we have to do. I'll have to pay it, too."

Horvat added the city has tried to put off raising rates as long as possible. The last time they were raised was four years ago.

"We tried to do the best we could for the citizens back then, but it has caught up with us and we're behind the eight ball," Horvat said.

Ward 6 Councilman Tom Dreher does not agree with the large one-year rate hike.

"I know this hike is de-signed to eliminate the negative; however, it ignores the present economy," he said.

"This ordinance neglects the five-year plan I proposed to increase rates at a level that's not a burden. If these two proposals are not modified or changed, I will oppose both of them."

E-mail:

bhovey@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3115