Cleveland Water announces new project funding and reimbursement guidelines for Mayfield Heights

The City Council of Mayfield Heights convened on August 4, 2025, to discuss several key topics related to infrastructure projects and funding. The meeting focused on customer service improvements, project funding mechanisms, and the annual budget for water-related projects.

The first significant discussion centered on customer service enhancements linked to infrastructure improvements. Council members sought clarification on how these upgrades would benefit residents, particularly in terms of service reliability. It was confirmed that residents would receive better service from mains that are less prone to breaking.

A critical point of inquiry involved the rates for Mayfield Heights residents. It was clarified that the rates charged to customers are uniform across different service classes and are not influenced by the total number of projects awarded to the city.

The conversation then shifted to the design and construction processes for city projects. Council members inquired about potential caps on design and construction costs, particularly in combined projects involving both water work and road rebuilding. It was noted that while there is a cap on reimbursement for combined projects where water work constitutes less than 90% of the total contract, there is no cap for water-only contracts, provided competitive bidding is demonstrated.

Further discussions addressed the annual budget for Cleveland Water projects. The representatives confirmed that there is a capital budget set each year, with commitments of $16 million for the current year and $17 million for the following year. This budget is part of a larger capital program that historically ranged between $75 million and $85 million annually for various infrastructure needs.

Lastly, the council discussed the maximum project limits per city. It was established that there is a cap of 10,000 feet of project work that can be awarded in any semester, translating to approximately two miles. While cities can submit requests for more footage, only the designated maximum will be funded, requiring prioritization of projects if submissions exceed this limit.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the city's commitment to improving infrastructure and customer service while navigating the complexities of project funding and budgeting. The council plans to continue discussions on these topics in future meetings, ensuring that residents' needs are met effectively.