Youngstown to hire company to conduct water-rate study

YOUNGSTOWN — A study of the city’s water system, as it embarks on a $14 million meter replacement project later this year, will help provide more accurate billings of water customers, said Water Commissioner Harry L. Johnson III.

“It’s an archaic process; it’s outdated,” Johnson said of the city’s current water-billing process.

The city bills water customers monthly for at least 100 cubic feet — equivalent to 748 gallons — even if they use less than that amount, he said.

The city plans to hire the PFM Group for up to $50,000 for a water-rate study that will look at converting water billing to 1 cubic foot or 1 gallon, and assess the feasibility of reducing the cost of water bills for senior citizens.

City council approved an ordinance tonight giving the board of control authority to sign a contract with PFM for the study.

The report would take about six weeks, and the actual cost of the study would be closer to $40,000, Johnson said.

For the complete story, read Thursday's Vindicator and Vindy.com