Gahanna officials propose utility rate adjustments after Columbus increases; council seeks answers on cost drivers

City of Gahanna officials gave council members a detailed review on Nov. 10 of proposed 2026 utility rate adjustments tied largely to higher charges from the City of Columbus and a new Columbus consent-order pass-through.

"We are a master meter community," Director of Public Service said during the Committee of the Whole presentation, explaining that Gahanna is billed by Columbus on a 10‑meter master‑meter arrangement and that roughly 80% of water and sanitary operation collections flow to Columbus. City staff described a package of changes the administration is proposing for 2026: a 6% increase for sanitary operations (compared with Columbus's proposed 8%), a 4% sanitary capital increase, a 4% water capital increase, and a 1% stormwater increase. Staff estimated an overall combined utility increase of about 6.14% and said the average household (about 4,000 gallons) would see roughly a $7.46 per month increase, with a minimum‑bill increase near $2.41 per month.

The presentation flagged the Columbus consent order (Clean Rivers/CCO) as a separate, 100% pass‑through item; staff said Columbus has proposed a $4.39 per ERU (equivalent residential unit) pass‑through that could add approximately $1.7 million across four quarters to Gahanna bills. Director of Public Service said the city reconciled its ERU counts to Columbus last year to make charges more equitable.

Council members pressed staff on what is driving the spike in Columbus rates. "Chemical costs, new treatment plants, maintenance and capital upgrades" were among the factors staff cited. Councilmembers also raised data‑center usage and a major new regional treatment facility as demand drivers; staff said Gahanna has an existing carved‑out rate for very large users and that staff will review large accounts as needed.

Several members discussed regional coordination. One member said they are arranging conversations with Reynoldsburg and Bexley to meet with Columbus about the increases. Staff said the sewer/water advisory board (SWAB) posts agendas and exhibits, and the city typically monitors or attends SWAB meetings to gather more detail about Columbus proposals.

On customer protections, staff noted Columbus is proposing expanded low‑income discounts (staff said Columbus is proposing a 30% discount for 2026 with a planned phase to higher caps in later years) and the city will monitor eligibility. Staff emphasized that capital charges the city collects remain local and fund Gahanna capital projects, while the majority of operational charges are billed by Columbus.

The administration said it will return with formal legislation: the utility changes are scheduled for first reading on Nov. 17 with consent anticipated Dec. 1. Council members requested clearer bill examples and public education; staff said they will produce outreach materials explaining how consumption, ERUs and pass‑through charges appear on citizen bills.

What happens next: staff will continue reconciling ERU counts with Columbus, pursue the planned meetings to probe regional drivers, and bring an ordinance to council for first reading on Nov. 17.