Huber Heights council adopts water and sewer rate increases, staff to re‑check repair priorities

Huber Heights — The City Council on Nov. 24 adopted an ordinance increasing water and sanitary sewer rates for fiscal years 2026–2029, with a provision for annual adjustments thereafter.

City Manager John Russell said the move follows the city’s 2025 rate study and positions Huber Heights “fourth lowest in the region.” The ordinance was presented at first reading, the council waived a second reading and approved the measure by roll call, 8–0.

During discussion, Councilmember Anita Kitchen asked staff to reassess the list of water‑main replacements and repairs before proceeding. Kitchen said recent localized breaks suggested some high‑failure areas may not be prioritized. "Can we look at that list before we go doing more plumbing replacement to make sure they're in correct order?" she asked. Aaron (city staff) replied: "We will do that."

Aaron also reminded council the ordinance resulted from the earlier rate study and that the adopted increases are intended to provide additional revenue to maintain and improve water and sewer systems. Staff said the study places Huber Heights among the lower regional rates and that the revenue will fund system maintenance.

The ordinance covers rate adjustments through 2029; staff indicated further implementation steps and a schedule will follow. The city manager and Public Works staff will return with any updated prioritization of repair projects if changes are recommended.

Next steps: staff will finalize implementation details, publish rate schedules and notify affected customers before the new rates take effect.