WARREN Study seeks raise in sewer rates
The last city sewer increase was in 1991.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- An Akron consultant recommends a 38 percent increase in sewer rates this year to make up for decreasing revenues in the water pollution control department.
David A. Frank, an engineer with Finkbeiner, Pettis & amp; Strout Inc., delivered results of a sewer rate study to council members Monday. Warren city sewer customers haven't had a rate increase since 1991.
Some council members are concerned about implementing a rate increase before a performance audit from state Auditor Betty Montgomery's office is released.
Councilman Gary Fonce, D-large, said he wants to see what recommendations that report lists for curbing expenses.
"I'm going to have a problem going along with an increase at this time," Fonce said.
Mayor Hank Angelo said the performance audit should be released within the next two months.
Councilwoman Susan E. Hartman, D-7th, is concerned because residents already have seen a 21 percent water rate increase, a $1 increase is sanitation fees and a $2.50 stormwater fee added to their utility bills.
"Now you're asking for a sewer rate increase, all on the same bill," she said.
The Akron company was paid about $12,000 for the study, which started in November.
According to the company's study, the water pollution control department's revenue has decreased over the last four years with 2002 revenue 21 percent lower than 1999. The department's built-up reserve has also been depleted.
Frank pointed to declining population, declining commercial/industrial base, water conservation and the city's accounts receivable which includes accounts in arrears as well as people or companies that have declared bankruptcy.
Monthly increase
The sewer rates proposed by the company would increase the monthly charge for sewer customers inside the city from $1.98 per cubic foot of water to $2.74 per cubic foot. For customers outside the city, the rate would increase from $2.79 per cubic foot to $3.85 per cubic foot.
The typical residential customer would see his annual sewer cost increase from $246 to $301 over the year.
Frank said that if implemented by June 1, the increases would provide $1.3 million. Delays in implementation would mean a higher percentage increase to generate that amount.
The report also recommends a 7 percent increase in 2005 if the department's financial condition doesn't improve.