NEWS

Bucyrus considers raising sewage rates by 10 percent

Zach Tuggle
Bucyrus Telegraph Forum

BUCYRUS - Flushing the toilet in Bucyrus just took a step toward becoming a little more expensive.

Members of the city's Service and Finance committees voted Thursday to raise the city's sewage price by 10 percent. The rate hike would take effect at the end of this year.

"I think if you look at our sewer rates compared to other municipalities, we're very competitive," Bucyrus Mayor Jeff Reser told the council members.

The request came before council because of an extensive storm water separation project that started in Bucyrus this year and is will continue at least until next year. For the upcoming portions, the city is seeking a 30-year, zero interest loan to complete the work.

Reser said the person handling the loan application told the city it must to prove it can pay the money back.

"He's asking us to approve a rate increase to prove that we can pay the amortization cost," Reser said. "In order to to fund this over 30 years, we need to pass a 10 percent rate increase."

The loan is for $3 million.

"You can make a pretty strong argument that's actually worth at least $6 million because of inflation," Reser said.

Council members wanted to double-check what they were voting on.

"So it's just a one-time 10 percent?" Councilman Bruce Truka asked.

Reser said it was. He said the 3 percent annual sewage rate increases mandated by the Ohio EPA would continue until 2021.

After the most recent increase on Aug. 1, residents are paying $5.51 per cubic foot of sewage they deposit into the system. If the new increase passes the full city council Oct. 3, that rate would rise to $6.06 per cubic foot on New Year's Day. By next summer, it would go to $6.24 per cubic foot.

"You're looking at about $12 per year for the average user we're asking them to pay to help pay this off," Reser said. "Although it sounds like a lot, it's only a little more than a dollar month — our rates are low."

ztuggle@gannett.com

419-564-3508

Twitter: @zachtuggle