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Resident warns sewer-rate increases and city spending are pricing longtime Akron residents out
Summary
A public commenter said proposed sewer-rate increases and multiple new city initiatives are contributing to rising costs for residents on fixed incomes and called on council to rein in spending.
During public comment, resident Carl Buck said proposed sewer-rate increases and recent city spending decisions are making housing unaffordable for long-term Akron residents on fixed incomes. Buck said a 3.5% increase (as referenced in his remarks) over multiple years could be burdensome for residents living on fixed incomes.
Buck criticized what he described as repeated overspending by the city and other local institutions, including alleged prior handling of an EPA fine by a former mayor he named in his remarks. He also listed other local expenditures that he said are increasing costs: a $300,000 police-oversight committee budget, $300,000 for a new committee for an early-learning system, and more than $500,000 for newly created city positions across two administrations — all figures he raised as part of his complaint about affordability.
He said some new housing developments remain half-occupied because rents or costs are too high and told council he is considering moving out of Akron after 60 of his 71 years because he can no longer afford rising taxes and utilities.
Why this matters: The comment frames sewer-rate proposals and municipal budget choices as part of an affordability challenge for long-term residents, especially those on fixed incomes.
What’s next: Buck’s remarks were made during the public comment period. No council action on rates or budget items was taken during the meeting; city staff and council will handle budget and utility-rate work through their standard committee and budget processes.
