Orange Village hires special counsel to review Woodbrand sewer rates and solicits ratepayer comments

The Orange Village Council voted to engage Kalfie, Halter & Griswold LLP for special counsel on utility‑related matters as the village prepares to review the Woodbrand sewer system's fees. Council members said the village regulates the Woodbrand sewer system, which serves portions of the village including Orange Wood, Orange Tree, Waterford and other subdivisions, and that ratepayers—not the general village budget—pay the costs of the review.

A presenter explained the village will appropriate funds—cited in discussion as approximately $40,000—for legal services and that the village may also hire a consultant to analyze whether Woodbrand's fees are overcharging or undercharging customers. "We collect as part of our franchise fee a certain amount of money every year... there are also funds available for a consultant to analyze the fees," the presenter said.

Council members were urged to solicit feedback from residents who receive service from Woodbrand so staff and special counsel can factor customer complaints into negotiations. The presenter noted that under state law Woodbrand may be entitled to cost‑plus pricing (cost plus 10% profit was referenced) and warned that, without local negotiation, the alternative is for Woodbrand to ask the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio to set rates. Council asked for ratepayer comments within roughly a month and expected the analytic and negotiation process to take a couple of months before any ordinance adjusting fees would return to council for adoption.

The motion to engage special counsel was called and approved by roll call during the meeting; council members asked staff to collect ratepayer input and coordinate with the special counsel and consultant.