Erie County commissioners ask Sandusky to join feasibility study of regional water and sewer; commission agrees to engage

Erie County commissioners on Sept. 8 asked the Sandusky City Commission to join a feasibility study examining potential regionalization of water and sewer services across the county; the Sandusky commission voted to engage with the county and other municipalities to begin discussions and study scoping.

Commissioner Steve Shoffner asked Sandusky and neighboring municipalities to consider participating in an independent feasibility study so that governments could share information and learn whether economies of scale or other structural changes could lower costs for ratepayers. "Until we have a study completed that shows us what we currently have and what could be possible in the future, we'll never be able to seriously discuss regionalization options," Shoffner said.

Matt Old, an Erie County commissioner, said his aim was to start a cooperative, transparent process that brings county and municipal stakeholders together to solicit an impartial consultant to inventory assets, assess financing and identify options for governance that would not be county-controlled. "My intention is not to have a county-run regional system," Old said; he described a potential regional entity governed by an agreed structure representing participating jurisdictions.

Supporters at the meeting said a study could identify efficiencies and opportunities for lower rates through economies of scale. Some commissioners cautioned that Sandusky currently provides water at lower cost than other jurisdictions and that any regional arrangement could shift cost burdens; Commissioner Murray urged protecting the city's existing rate advantage and said the city should ensure its interests and financial position are preserved in any regional design.

After discussion the commission voted to engage with the county and other municipalities on a study process to evaluate regional water and sewer options. The motion as discussed and voted on asked staff to communicate with the county about engaging an independent third-party firm to study regionalization possibilities for water and sewer. Commissioners recorded affirmative votes in favor of the motion; the commission did not commit city funds at the Sept. 8 meeting, and details about cost-sharing, scope, consultant selection and timelines were not set at that time.

Commissioners said they expect additional meetings and an opportunity for formal review once a scope and budget are proposed. The matter was described by supporters as a first step to share information and evaluate options; opponents and cautious commissioners requested careful protections for Sandusky ratepayers and clarity on governance before any structural changes would proceed.