Trumbull County sets temporary $11.75 rate for county water districts, creates advisory panel and orders performance audit

The Trumbull County Board of Commissioners on March 26 approved a temporary countywide uniform water rate of $11.75 per 1,000 gallons for multiple Trumbull County Combined Water District subdivisions, set to take effect with monthly bills after April 1, 2025. The board also directed a state performance audit of the water department, created an advisory panel of customer representatives, and agreed to review the rate after one year.

The action was made under a motion presented during the meeting that directed the adjustment to reflect operation, maintenance and capital costs and to satisfy Ohio EPA requirements for a self-supporting utility. The motion said the $11.75 rate would apply to the Bozetta Champion, Braceville Township, Howland, Mineral Ridge, Mosquito Creek Southeast and Warren Township subdivisions starting in April 2025. Commissioners agreed the board would reassess the rate in April 2026 after the advisory panel and a performance audit review.

Why it matters: the county's water system has run deficits in recent years and county officials said the department needs a rate that covers costs to avoid service interruptions and comply with state regulators. Commissioners described multi-year…