Huber Heights officials propose multi-year water and sewer rate increases tied to major utility upgrades
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Summary
City staff presented an ordinance to raise water, wastewater and stormwater rates through 2029 to finance meter replacements, water-main work and a larger reaction basin, and to cover regional wastewater costs; staff estimated the average user would see about a $6-per-month increase in 2026.
Huber Heights city staff on Nov. 17 recommended a multi-year schedule of water, wastewater and stormwater rate increases designed to pay for planned capital work and regional wastewater costs.
Aaron, the city’s utility lead, told the council the rate proposal is built from a WaterWorth model that accounts for current operating expenses, debt service and planned investments, including a water meter replacement program (~$2,500,000 per year), a water-main replacement program (~$3,000,000 per year through 2030) and a resized reaction basin to address iron in the supply. He also said the city plans a larger sanitary-lining program in 2026 (~$500,000) and noted Tri Cities is proposing a new regional wastewater treatment plant estimated at roughly $200 million, costs that would be shared regionally and affect local rates.
Aaron said the draft ordinance sets four years of rates (2026–2029) and increases tap fees. He summarized the proposed schedule: about a 15% increase for water in 2026 with roughly 7% annual increases thereafter for three years, and an approximately 20% increase in wastewater rates phased over four years. "I am 100% confident that it is fair to the users and is necessary for our plant investments," Aaron said. He estimated the average customer would see about a $6-a-month impact from today’s rates to the 2026 level.
Councilmembers asked several clarifying questions. One asked for the current delinquency rate for utility accounts; Aaron said he would provide those numbers. Another asked how new meters affect bills; Aaron explained new meters are more accurate and that some customers whose older meters under-registered may see increases when meters are replaced.
Staff asked council to place two ordinances on the next council agenda (water/sewer and stormwater), with a request to waive second readings and make the rates effective in time for Veolia, the utility operator, to process changes by Feb. 1 when the city transitions to a new finance system. Council signaled general support for placing the ordinances on the Monday agenda and for waiving readings so the change can be implemented on the schedule staff requested.
If adopted on the requested timetable, the change would produce the revised billing that officials say is needed to sustain planned investments and to cover the city’s share of regional wastewater upgrades.
