LIBERTY Trustees mull over deal for waterline projects

The water company president says water would cost 71/2-percent less than county rates.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
LIBERTY -- Township trustees are considering a deal with Consumers Ohio Water Co. for the construction of $400,000 worth of waterlines along two major roads.
The proposal calls for 3,500 feet of 12-inch line along Churchill Road, from Summit Street to Logan Way, and 3,500 feet of 12-inch line along Tibbetts-Wick Road, from Belmont Avenue to Sampson Drive.
The proposal was made Monday evening during a special trustees meeting.
Walter J. Pishkur, COWC president, sought a resolution from trustees that would give the water company authority to conduct a survey of potential customers to determine if they want the service.
Trustees said they want to wait until Monday's regular meeting to vote on the issue when they have the resolution in hand.
Cost
Trustees have set aside $500,000 for construction of waterlines. The engineer's estimate for the two projects is $494,100.
Pishkur said COWC can save the township $132,000 if it does the construction.
He explained that those who agree to tap into the lines would pay a fee based on property front footage, although tapping in is voluntary.
Customers could finance the cost with COWC over three to 10 years at a fixed rate of less than 3 percent.
The average customer will pay 71/2-percent less than the county is charging for water, Pishkur said, adding that rates can be increased only with the permission of trustees or the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.
Trustee Patrick Durina suggested the survey of potential customers be done first do determine if it's economically feasible.
Pishkur said he needs trustees' permission to ask homeowners if they want the water. He noted it would also give him leverage in negotiating with the county commissioners to tap into adjacent county-owned lines.
Ownership
If the project is completed, the water company would own and maintain the lines.
"There are no other options," Patrick J. Ungaro, township administrator, said of the COWC proposal, noting that waterlines can be extended from the two proposed projects.
Trustees have said they believe the waterline extensions will spur development in the township.
Liberty is among several townships that have been seeking an extension of county-owned lines as a source of water, but there hasn't been any agreement.
yovich@vindy.com