City staff told Elyria City Council Monday that changes to utility billing, including a 5% delinquency fee, will go into effect Nov. 1 and that the city has plans to notify customers about rate changes.

Safety Service Director Pajanowski told council the delinquency fee was incorporated into recently updated rates and will be enforced starting Nov. 1. “Part of what was approved previously…is that there's a 5% delinquency fee, but if we have somebody who's habitually late…three times in a 12‑month rolling calendar, they'll have a $250 penalty,” Pajanowski said.

Pajanowski said the city will post rate information and explanatory language on the city website and include links on utility bills. He said staff is considering a press release through the Chronicle later this month to publicize rate changes.

Councilmember Soroka asked whether card‑use convenience fees would be imposed; Pajanowski said the city is not moving forward with an additional card fee at this time because the rate update already incorporated those costs through 2027.

Council members also asked about a planned homestead audit. Pajanowski said the city will do a review each April following the county auditor’s homestead certification process to ensure proper documentation for credits; some residents who lacked documentation were removed from the credit list after prior outreach.

No new ordinance was adopted at this meeting specifically on this topic; however, Law Director Dirie described an ordinance (to amend municipal code language and tie fee definitions to chapter 939.302) that was on the agenda under unfinished business and would be considered by council—Council later passed related ordinance action on first reading under suspension.