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Greenwich council approves water and sewer rate changes, passes emergency appropriation; residents press for sewage and street repairs
Summary
At its April 21 meeting the Greenwich Village Council approved second readings of water and sewer rate ordinances and passed an emergency supplemental appropriation; residents used public comment to call attention to sewage backups, street repairs and rising utility costs.
The Greenwich Village Council on April 21 approved measures updating water and sewer rates and passed an emergency supplemental appropriation to the 2026 budget while residents urged quicker repairs to sewage lines and streets.
Council approved Resolution 2026-R-7, a declared emergency resolution making supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2026. During the meeting council also approved second readings of Ordinance 2026-O-08 (amending section 1042.02 of the municipal code to revise water service rates), Ordinance 2026-O-09 (amending section 1044.02 to change sewer rates), and Ordinance 2026-O-10 (creating a reservoir lake park and advisory board).
In public comment a resident said the village has been coping with high water and electricity rates, needed street and sewage repairs and blamed prior administrations for allowing decades of deferred maintenance, saying the prior approach "a kicking of the can down the road ... left a mess of 40 years that needs to be corrected." Mayor Jan James responded, "we will do what is best for the village, it's a business that needs to be run better," and indicated rate changes are intended to fund necessary repairs to water, sewage and streets.
Other public comments raised a sewage collection in a resident's backyard and asked for improvements to a parking area behind the Painted Cowgirl; the mayor noted businesses own that parking area but said the village will help when possible. Gail of the Greenwich Improvement Group reported 160 veterans banners have been assembled so far and reminded residents that orders are due April 24, 2026; she also said two pavers sold for placement before Memorial Day and announced an online raffle for a Kalahari event.
Council approved consolation-pay motions authorizing $30 per hour for up to 40 hours (up to $1,200) for former fiscal officer Karley Binger and for Utility Clerk Charlene Creveling (motions passed, 6 ayes). Resolution 2026-R-3 was tabled until the May 6 meeting. The council also approved the first reading of Resolution 2026-R-8 to renew an agreement with the Huron County Emergency Management Agency for EMA services.
Council confirmed its next meeting for May 6, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. and adjourned at 6:56 p.m.
