Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Utilities topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Silver Lake approves phased repayment and rate measures after resident opposition over Cuyahoga Falls arrears
Summary
Council adopted Ordinance 104-2025 addressing water/sewer fund accounting and repayment terms; residents voiced opposition and council requested documentation from Cuyahoga Falls while officials stressed reserve requirements and advised against litigation.
The Village of Silver Lake Council on Jan. 20 adopted Ordinance 104-2025 addressing changes to water/sewer fund charges and the village’s approach to an arrearage with Cuyahoga Falls. Council recorded a motion to adopt and a roll-call vote of 7-0.
Resident Eric Ciesielski used the public-comment period to voice opposition to Ordinance 104-2025 and urged council to consider alternatives. Finance chair Suzanne Garrett said she had heard residents’ concerns that they were "paying for someone else's water," and offered that going forward residents will be billed only for the water they use.
Clerk-Treasurer Sean Housley and staff explained the 2025 Statement of Cash Position and said the fund balance shown for funds 5010 and 5011 represents reserves; Housley noted it is important to maintain future reserves of at least 30% of the annual budget, consistent with OWDA guidance. Housley and Mayor Dunphy discussed repayment scheduling; Mayor Dunphy urged caution about litigation and said the village has done due diligence. "The Village has done due diligence in exploring alternative options and does not think it wise to pursue a legal battle," Mayor Dunphy said; Law Director Patricia Ambrose Rubright echoed that view and referenced related cases headed to the Ohio Supreme Court.
The meeting record shows Mayor Dunphy citing an arrearage amount due to Cuyahoga Falls of $157,580.56. Councilmembers asked for additional documentation: Mr. Kaplan twice requested a copy of the signed payback agreement with Cuyahoga Falls, and staff agreed to provide the agreement. Council also discussed whether the additional charge would be removed from residents’ bills once the contract ends; officials said that decision would depend on the fund balance at that future time.
Council adopted the ordinance after discussion and recorded the adoption on the January 20 meeting agenda. The council accepted the financial reports and instructed staff to provide the requested payback agreement and continue outreach to residents explaining reserve levels and billing impacts.
