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Silver Lake officials flag 13% water bill rise as sewage-treatment costs surge
Summary
Clerk-Treasurer Sean M. Housley and Mayor Dunphy told council that Ordinance 76 would raise water/sewer consumer charges by about $16 per month (roughly 13%) to maintain reserves amid a 34% jump in sewage-treatment costs; council discussed grants and corrective work to reduce inflow and infiltration.
Clerk-Treasurer Sean M. Housley told the Village of Silver Lake Council on Oct. 6 that Ordinance No. 76-2025 would raise consumer charges in the water and sewer fund by roughly $16 per month, about a 13% increase, at first reading.
Housley said the increase is intended to maintain the water fund—ash reserve required to support operations and potential borrowing. He reported a significant rise in sewage-treatment charges: from Jan. through July 2024 the village paid $202,230; for the same period in 2025 the cost was $271,865, a $69,627 (34%) increase. Some monthly sewage bills approached the $50,000 range, and Housley said inflow-and-infiltration (I&I) accounted for about 68% of the high-cost bills.
Why it matters: Higher treatment costs and I&I put pressure on rate-funded utilities and can lead to monthly bill increases for residents. Council and staff discussed grant and financing options that could lower the necessary rate increase.
Mayor Dunphy provided regional comparisons, noting steep increases in nearby communities in recent years and stressing that the village is pursuing grants and possible interest-free financing to limit rate impacts. Housley said wholesale-rate changes from Cuyahoga Falls are not yet confirmed and he will call the wholesaler to clarify whether and how wholesale rates will change.
The council also discussed operational steps to reduce I&I. Mayor Dunphy said smoke testing has shown some downspouts and other improper connections tied into the sanitary sewer; under current village ordinance staff can require residents to correct improper connections and the village plans to develop a strategy for enforcement and remediation.
Ordinance No. 76-2025 (amending codified sections 933.01 and 927.13) was presented at first reading; council will continue review and may modify the proposal before a final vote.
