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Council committees approve water fee updates and three years of 5% sanitation increases
Summary
Finance committee approved emergency updates to the water distribution fee schedule (including a new tariff line) and an emergency ordinance setting 5% sanitation rate increases for 2026–2028 to stabilize the sanitation fund; council discussed mechanics for delegating tariff authority and truck purchases.
On Nov. 24 Elyria’s finance committee approved two utility‑related measures: an emergency update to water distribution fees (including a new tariff line) and an emergency ordinance to raise sanitation rates 5% per year for 2026, 2027 and 2028.
Water distribution director explained the fee update is a routine adjustment to reflect current costs for taps, meters and meter types and noted a new tariff line was added to address potential manufacturer or supplier tariff changes. Staff requested an emergency clause to make the changes effective Jan. 1. Councilmembers asked whether the ordinance should specify tariff percentages or delegate limited authority; law director said language could be drafted to allow counsel to delegate authority for specific purposes.
Separately, sanitation director described consultant recommendations to increase sanitation rates 5% per year for three years to keep the sanitation fund solvent. The director said two side‑loading sanitation trucks are available now and would accelerate fleet rebuilding. Council discussed the type of trucks, budgeting and whether funds should be provided through the temporary budget for earlier purchase; finance staff indicated support for moving forward and the council approved the 5% annual increases as an emergency ordinance.
Both measures passed the committee by voice vote and will move forward for finalization and implementation steps.
