EAST PALESTINE City reduces water tap-in fees

The new tap-in fees are based on the size of the connected waterline.
EAST PALESTINE -- City officials hope to reel some big fish into the city by baiting the hook with low tap-in fees for water service.
"We're trying to equalize the fees," City Manager Gary Clark said. "We want to help small-business owners and new homeowners. Hopefully, we can attract people to our city."
Clark said the new, reduced fees are now in effect.
He said council members believe the higher tap-in fees were inhibiting growth.
The new tap-in fees are $750 each for3/4-inch or 1-inch lines, $1,200 for 2-inch lines and $2,400 for lines larger than 2 inches.
He said that previously, tap-in fees were $1,500 each for residential water and sewer hook-ups, and $3,000 each for industrial and commercial tap-ins, regardless of the size.
That meant $3,000 to connect a new home to city water and sewer services, and a $6,000 charge for a new business, regardless of the size of the lines needed or how much water they would use.
Back into account: Clark said the money collected from tap-in fees goes into an account used only for extension of water and sewer service.
Reducing the fees, therefore, won't have an effect on the water and sewer operating budget.
Clark also noted the fee reduction is for tap-ins only, and does not change water and sewer usage rates.