North Ridgeville utilities committee tables proposal to expand senior refuse discount amid fund shortfall concerns

The North Ridgeville Utilities Committee on July 21 tabled consideration of an ordinance that would change the city's refuse senior discount after finance staff said the proposal would reduce refuse-fund revenues and could produce future deficits unless rates rise for all customers or other offsets are found.

Councilwoman Holly Swank introduced the measure, identified in the meeting as O 225-100, which would amend the city's refuse-collection discount rules to change eligibility and credits for seniors. Committee members said they need more legible financial projections before voting. The committee voted 3-0 to table the item until its next meeting.

Finance Director April Wilkerson told the committee the refuse fund is separate from water, sewer and storm funds and is governed by an ordinance that requires a two-month carryforward tied to refuse collection costs. Wilkerson said the fund "annually made $46,824" in the current reporting period and that the carryforward requirement leaves an ending balance of…