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Council discusses proposed water and sewer rate increases to rebuild reserves
Summary
Clerk-Treasurer Sean Housley told the Silver Lake Council the draft ordinance would raise the average household water bill by about $15.18 per month and sewer by $1.10 to restore water fund reserves to a 30% target; Council set Ordinance 76-2025 for a third reading.
Clerk-Treasurer Sean Housley told the Village Council on Oct. 20 that proposed Ordinance 76-2025 would raise water and sewer charges to restore the water fund to a recommended 30% reserve and meet Ohio Water Development Authority (OWDA) debt-compliance expectations.
Housley illustrated the local impact by pointing to line-item adjustments and said the 2025 forecast showed reserves near 19.97 percent. He calculated that the change cited on the handout equates to roughly a $15.18 monthly increase for water and about $1.10 for sewer for the samples presented. Housley emphasized the increase does not include costs for the next phase of the Silver Lake Boulevard project.
Council members discussed the calculations, including how a higher cost-of-living allowance and an extra 27th pay period in 2026 affect payroll projections and therefore the village’s overall budget. No final vote was taken Tuesday; Council held Ordinance 76-2025 for a third reading to allow time for further review and public notice.
Housley framed the measure as necessary to avoid reserve shortfalls and potential noncompliance with agency recommendations and debt covenants; he recommended clear communication to residents about the reason for the change.
A third reading and any formal public hearing or adoption will be scheduled at a future meeting.
