Elyria utility staff and the law director presented updates to the Elyria Municipal Water Supply System rules (codified as Chapter 9.39 and related fee provisions) at the Aug. 11 committee meeting, and the committees recommended the proposed ordinance updates.

Supervisor Connor and Law Director Rothgari reviewed housekeeping changes and several substantive additions to the water rules and fee ordinance. Key changes recommended by staff and approved by committee include:

• A 5% delinquency fee to be added to delinquent water accounts.
• A $250 habitual‑delinquent charge for accounts that appear on the delinquent list three times within a 12‑month period.
• A $250 tampering fee per incident for customers found to have tampered with service, in addition to other remedies; staff noted criminal prosecution could be pursued in cases with sufficient evidence but that proving criminal cases has evidentiary challenges.
• Clarified fee names and added a “misappointment” charge when a customer schedules a service call and the worker cannot gain access.

The law director said criminal charges remain a potential avenue for tampering when sufficient evidence exists, but added the city often pursues financial penalties because proving criminal culpability can be difficult. Staff also clarified service windows and customer expectations for appointments and that deposits or other conditions may be required when ownership changes are used to circumvent habitual‑delinquency rules.

The committees voted to recommend an ordinance updating Chapter 9.39 and related fee provisions; the motion passed and will proceed to Council for final adoption.