ThisWeek CW 09/06/2012

http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/canalwinchester/news/2012/09/04/groveport-will-see-steep-water-rate-hikes.html

Groveport water users will see a phased-in rate increase of 95 percent over the next five years, after a 4-2 vote by city council on Aug. 27.

Council members Jean Ann Hilbert and Ed Dildine voted against the increase; they also voted against construction of a new water treatment plant at the June 25 meeting.

Money from the rate increase is intended to be used to finance the construction of the new water treatment plant — estimated at $3.17 million — and to pay for its operating expenses.

The phased-in schedule approved by council establishes increases of 20 percent for 2012 at a rate of $5.09 per 1,000 gallons; 20 percent for 2013 at a rate of $6.11 per 1,000 gallons; 20 percent for 2014 at a rate of $7.33 per 1,000 gallons; 20 percent for 2015 at a rate of $8.79 per 1,000 gallons; 12 percent for 2016 at a rate of $9.84 per 1,000 gallons; and 3 percent for 2017 at a rate of $10.14 per 1,000 gallons.

According to the ordinance, these rates may be adjusted every three years based on a city council review.

“I’m disappointed that this council didn’t take the welfare of our residents to heart, given the current economy,” Dildine said. “A 95-percent increase over five years is going to hit people hard.”

The poor condition of the current water facility, built in 1936, prompted the Ohio EPA to require the city to take action. Two options were available to the city: Build a new plant or contract with Columbus for water service.

Currently, about 1,500 of nearly 2,700 potential Groveport water customers get their water services from Columbus.

“I have a fear that with only 1,200 customers and the possibility of increased EPA regulation in the future, we’re going to have to pass on even more costs to a small group of people,” Dildine said. “If our water usage costs continue to go up, we’re going to deter people from moving into Groveport – especially high-usage businesses.”

Dildine and Hilbert said they believe the city should have merged into the Columbus water system. The city currently contracts for sewer services through Columbus.

“Since 1970, I don’t think Columbus has taken advantage of these contracts by raising the (sewer) rates for anything other than feasible amounts,” Dildine said.

The next city council meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Monday, Sept. 10, at the municipal building, 655 Blacklick St.