Salem wants to sell water directly to prison

The county could lose money when a 10-year-old agreement ends.
By D.A. WILKINSON
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
LISBON -- Salem plans to bid to directly sell water to the federal prison in Elkton.
The city has been selling water to the prison for years through the Columbiana County commissioners, who charge the prison a markup on the water.
At stake is at least $31,202 the county received under the agreement in 2005, according to county figures. County records also show the city received $280,825 from selling water to the prison in 2005.
When the prison was built 10 years ago, grants to build the waterlines went to the commissioners. Salem provided the water, and the commissioners were allowed to add the surcharge.
County records show the city provided 119,331,600 gallons of water to the prison last year.
Jim Hoppel, the commissioner who oversees the prison agreement, said, "It's been a money maker for us."
The markup helps to pay for other needs in the county's different utility systems.
The commissioners on Wednesday approved an extension of its agreement with the city and the prison through June 11. That's the day the original contract with the prison expires.
The brief extension calls for a slight increase in the water rates Salem charges. The water rate increase will have no effect on the sewer rates charged to the prison.
The commissioners declined comment on the city's plan. Hoppel said he was trying to contact bureau of prison officials.
Don Weingart, Salem utilities director, said he was trying to contact bureau officials to negotiate.
Rate increases
During the 10-year-agreement, the city has raised its water rates to the prison based on increases in the Consumer Price Index. Weingart indicated that in the coming talks with the bureau of prisons, the city may ask for increases beyond the CPI.
Weingart said the waterline and easements to it have been turned over to the city.
He added that the Lisbon water plant and the Buckeye Water District could bid on the water contract for the prison. An ongoing Buckeye project near Lisbon will bring a waterline close to the prison.
State environmental officials have been pressuring the city to add cleaners to its sewage system. Weingart said Salem can't use any increase in water revenue to fund sewer projects, however. The water and sewer systems are legally separate, he explained.
wilkinson@vindy.com