Pataskala utility committee recommends 8% water rate increase to rebuild reserves

The Pataskala City Utility Committee voted to recommend that the City Council pursue “Option 1,” an 8% water-rate plan beginning in 2026 to move the water fund toward a $1,000,000 carryover target.

Committee members said the sewer fund appears healthy and does not need an increase now, but the water fund’s projections require action. A staff presentation compared two rate alternatives for water starting in 2026; committee members said Option 1 would bring the fund slightly above the target while Option 2 would fall a little short.

The committee emphasized the recommendation was for the administration to begin drafting an ordinance, not for the council to vote on the rate tonight. "I think 1 makes the most sense because we had the first bump up and then as we go the next couple of years, see how things kinda go," a committee member said. Another committee member noted that, based on the presentation, "the bill [for the consumer] gonna be the same at the end either way," and added, "I think 8% makes way more sense then." The committee moved and seconded a motion recommending Council proceed with Option 1; the administration will prepare an ordinance so council members are not blindsided by the change.

Staff provided a six-year projection that showed both options’ effects on household bills and on the fund balance. The target reserve the presentation referenced was about $1,000,000; staff said Option 1 reaches slightly above that goal and Option 2 falls slightly short. Presenters noted the sewer fund will continue to be monitored and reviewed on a regular cycle — the committee had previously agreed on reviewing rates every other year rather than annually.

The committee recorded the recommendation by voice vote with no detailed roll-call tally provided in the meeting transcript; the transcript records the motion, a second, and affirmative responses. Following the vote, staff confirmed they would start the ordinance process and bring the item to the City Council for formal consideration.

Less urgent details discussed but not decided included continuing to review sewer fund projections as the new treatment plant comes online and that staff would return with further information if circumstances change.

Votes at a glance

Motion: Recommend the City Council proceed with Option 1 (water rate change beginning in 2026). Motion maker: Committee member (name not specified). Second: Caleb (surname not specified). Outcome: Recommendation approved by committee; administration will draft an ordinance for council review (vote tally not specified in transcript).