Belpre Utilities Committee backs 20% water-rate increase effective Oct. 1, 2025

At a Sept. 22 council meeting, Utilities Committee leader John Ambrozy presented proposed ordinance revisions and recommended a 20% increase to city water rates effective Oct. 1, 2025. He told council the committee reviewed exhibits showing new rates and recommended keeping the current bill format after a vendor estimate of $3,300 to separate base and usage charges. "Due to this cost, it was decided to keep current format and not separate the base rate and usage costs on the Water Bills," Ambrozy said.

The committee provided new Exhibit B showing residential inside-city rates rising to a $15.77 base rate and $2.78 per 1,000 gallons, with outside-city residential base at $31.54 and $5.57 per 1,000 gallons; commercial rates and water-improvement charges were also specified. On sewage, the committee proposed clarifying language that charges apply even with zero gallons of measured flow and noted a 4% annual increase provision in current ordinances. Council added the ordinance creating a new Sewer Department account (5604 — Water Reclamation Plant) for first reading; the ordinance will lie over for further consideration.