Council approves loan program to help homeowners replace galvanized/lead service lines; program amended to 5‑year payback

BEXLEY, Ohio — The Bexley City Council approved an amended Ordinance 06-25 to create a loan program to help property owners replace galvanized or lead water service lines that contact potable water systems.

The ordinance, returned to the floor from the table, establishes a pilot program that provides loans to homeowners to cover part of the cost to replace the portion of the service line on private property. The council amended the measure to set the maximum loan terms as a five‑year repayment period and clarified that the maximum loan amount will be the lesser of $4,000 or 80 percent of the total cost of replacement.

Under the amendment council approved, the auditor will establish the program interest rate and other loan terms subject to concurrence of the mayor; the ordinance gives the auditor authority to adjust rates if warranted by market conditions. Council members described the program as a pilot and said future councils can decide whether to continue or expand it.

Service Director Andy Bayshore indicated the department will administer the program and coordinate with affected homeowners. Council Member Sam Marcelino suggested the shorter payoff period would accelerate repayment and allow the program to be reassessed. "It would be still a very useful tool, and we would have payback faster," Marcelino said when discussing the five‑year option.

The motion to amend the ordinance was offered by Council Member Jessica Saad and seconded by Sam Marcelino; the amendment passed and the amended ordinance was adopted by unanimous roll call.