Trumbull raises sewer, water rates for 20,000 customers in county

One commissioner balked at increasing water rates and water tap-in fees.

By TIM YOVICH

VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF

CORTLAND — Trumbull County commissioners have increased the water and sewer rates charged to about 20,000 county customers.

The increases in sewer rates and sewer tap-in fees were approved unanimously, but Commissioner Daniel E. Polivka voted against increasing the water rates or water tap-in fees at their Thursday meeting.

Polivka said he has been discussing with Warren officials the possibility of decreasing the price the city charges the county for treated wholesale water that is distributed by the county system.

The county receives its water from Warren, Aqua Ohio Inc. and indirectly from the Mahoning Valley Sanitary District through Youngstown and Niles.

Rex Fee, executive director of the county sanitary engineer’s office, said of the increase in water rates an average of about 19 percent is needed because different providers sell water at different rates to the county and the last increases vary in different water districts.

“I think we have to move quickly” on rate increases, said Commissioner Frank Fuda. Commissioner Paul Heltzel agreed.

Rate study done

Heltzel said he stands behind the rates recommended by the sanitary engineer’s office and MS Consultants Inc. of Youngstown, which performed a rate study.

He said the water and sewer funds are “hemorrhaging ink right now,” although he agreed with Polivka that the county should attempt to negotiate lower rates with the MVSD and Warren.

“This is the only way to increase revenue,” Heltzel said.

Jeff Adler, an assistant county prosecutor who advises the commissioners, said the commissioners had no alternative but to increase the rates because state law requires funds to remain in the black.

Some areas won’t see a water rate increase, such as those in the Four Township Water District — Vienna, Brookfield, Hubbard and parts of Howland.

Customers in Champion and Bazetta townships will realize a 26 percent increase in their next billing.

Those who have county sanitary sewer service will see increases of 17 percent to 19 percent.

A standard residential 3/4-inch residential water tap-in fee increases from $1,000 to $1,800.

The commissioners’ meeting was in Cortland to celebrate the opening of the Cortland SCOPE Center at 162 S. High St., across from Sparkle Market.

yovich@vindy.com