Bexley council adopts 2026 water and sewer rates tied to Columbus increases
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Summary
The Bexley City Council on Dec. 16 adopted Ordinance 33-25 to pass through increases from the City of Columbus — an 18% water increase and an 8% sewer increase — with the new charges first appearing on the March 2026 water bill.
Bexley City Council on Dec. 16 adopted Ordinance 33-25 to set the city—s 2026 water and sewer rates, passing through increases imposed by the City of Columbus.
Miss Saad, who introduced the ordinance, said Columbus is increasing water charges by 18% and sewer charges by 8% and that Bexley will pass along those external increases while holding its internal rate increases at the levels previously calculated (15% for water, 6% for sewer). "We're at the hand of the City of Columbus when it comes to water and sewer," she said, adding that local leaders are coordinating with other suburbs to seek a more equitable rate calculation going forward.
Mayor Ben Kessler told council the new rates will appear on the March 2026 water bill. He explained that suburbs have differing relationships with Columbus: some are billed directly by Columbus, while master-metered suburbs (like Bexley) do their own billing and maintenance and therefore pay and should be charged differently. "Our focus is gonna be showing the inequity and trying to get an equitable distribution of those rates," the mayor said.
Council members asked operational and communication questions. Mister Marcelino asked about the status of AquaHawk meter-visibility software; administration said the city is finalizing an API between the vendor and the city—s OpenGov software. Several members urged clear resident communication and noted the city has an existing bill-forgiveness program for households that need help.
Miss Saad moved to adopt Ordinance 33-25; Mister Marcelino seconded. The ordinance passed on a roll-call vote with all seven members present voting yes.
The ordinance was presented as a response to Columbus—s rate decision rather than an independent increase in Bexley—s internal charges; the city will include information in its January newsletter and other communications to explain the change to residents.
What happens next: the new rates are expected to hit the March 2026 water bill; the administration said it would continue coordination with other suburbs and provide educational outreach to residents.