East Canton council suspends City of Canton water rate increase, waives 2% surcharge through rate-setting period

The Village of East Canton council adopted an emergency ordinance to suspend a City of Canton base water rate increase of 3.4% and to waive the village’s 2% surcharge for a transitional period while the city finalizes its 2026 billing rate.

The ordinance states the City of Canton implemented a 3.4% base water rate increase effective March 31, 2025. The council’s ordinance suspends that 3.4% increase from April 1, 2025, until Sept. 1, 2025, or until the City of Canton’s new billing rate for 2026 is finalized, and it also waives the village 2% assessment tied to the Canton base rate for the same period.

The measure was presented as an emergency ordinance "necessary to the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, safety, convenience, and welfare of the village," and the council suspended the rules and approved the ordinance by roll call vote reported in the minutes.

Council members discussed the need for earlier notification when external utilities change rates. One council member said the village should be informed well in advance of effective dates so the council can consider responses and avoid corrective bills to residents.

The ordinance text references compliance with open‑meeting requirements in the Ohio Revised Code. The transcript records the ordinance as "Ordinance 2025‑20" and cites a requirement to comply with section 121.22 of the Ohio Revised Code when adopting emergency measures.

The ordinance will remain in effect through the period the council specified and until the City of Canton sets its new billing rate for 2026. The council asked staff to coordinate communication with Canton and to ensure earlier written notice of future rate changes.