Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Utility Rates topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Belpre council advances first readings of water and sewer rate ordinances after resident concerns
Summary
Belpre City Council voted unanimously on first reading to advance ordinances that would raise water and sewer rates, after residents expressed concern about increases and council discussed billing details for in- and out-of-city customers; both measures were laid over to the next meeting for further work and contract review.
Council President Mr. Martin presided over a special Belpre City Council meeting on Aug. 19, 2024, at 7:03 p.m., where council advanced on first reading two ordinances to establish new water and sewer rates and agreed to carry both measures to the next meeting for further consideration.
The proposals, introduced by Council member Mr. Ambrozy, drew questions from residents about how much household bills would rise. Jesse Wonycott of 805 Main Street asked whether the base water rate set for 2025 represented a 50% jump from the 2024 budget; Mayor Abdella replied, "no, it will only go up 20%." Mr. Ambrozy said the city’s water charge is currently $2.32 per thousand gallons and "does not include the service fee of 4%." He also gave an example of household impacts: "currently for water the cost is $17.92 and would go up to $26.10 for 3,000 gallons," and he said combined minimums for water, sewer and trash would rise "from a minimum of $65.15 to $82.66." These figures were presented as council’s current estimates for typical usage.
Longtime resident Judy Drake of 713 Oak Tree Lane urged council to address years of deferred maintenance, saying, "This has been neglect on previous administrations for not doing what they should have done," and urged the body to "bite the bullet" to fund needed infrastructure such as a new water tank.
Council discussion also addressed customers outside Belpre city limits. Mr. Ferguson asked how sewer-only customers are metered and whether outside commercial customers who use sewer also take city water. Mayor Abdella said the city currently has a bulk contract that defines rates for Washington County users and that the contract "is not a sound contract and needs modifications"; she said the safety-service director would meet with outside users to clarify terms.
Council took separate votes to advance each ordinance on first reading, with all council members present voting aye. Mr. Ambrozy said both pieces of legislation would "lie over" until the next meeting to allow further review and potential contract revisions. The meeting adjourned at 7:22 p.m.
Next steps: both ordinances remain on the schedule for a subsequent council meeting, where council plans to revisit the proposed rates, review contract terms with outside customers, and consider any amendments before a final vote.
