Pataskala — Mel Carter was interviewed by Pataskala City Council and subsequently appointed as the city’s representative to the Licking Regional Water District.

During her presentation and interview, Carter said the district resubmitted an organizational petition that expanded the board from three to five members to increase representation and “allow for more voices.” She reported completion of the sanitary sewer project in the corporate park, work underway on lift-station improvements and that the Summit Road sanitary sewer extension bid advertisement will go out in January.

Carter described recent rate adjustments and debt-reduction work: "The debt elimination charge was $7. We'd reduced that to $4. And over the next 3 years, the goal is to get it to 0," she said. She also described a 6.5% rate adjustment and estimated that a typical combined water and sewer bill might increase by about $10 per month. Carter said the district works with customers who struggle to pay bills.

Council later moved to appoint Carter to the regional board; the motion passed by roll call.

Why it matters: The Licking Regional Water District provides wastewater and related services that affect development, infrastructure planning and local rates. Board representation gives Pataskala an explicit voice on district decisions about projects and customer policies.

Implementation notes: The council also passed Resolution 2025-071 (amended by substitution to Exhibit A) directing the city administrator to execute a backup utility-operator services agreement with the regional district; meeting discussion emphasized that operators carry responsibility for their own employees under the revised language.

Next steps: City staff will execute the agreement with the regional district as authorized. Council indicated they expect routine updates on district project schedules and any further rate or billing changes.