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CW proposes water/sewer rate increase
(by Linda Dillman, staff writer - December 08, 2009)
A proposed rate increase for residents using Canal Winchester water and sewer lines is still bargain, according to village Finance Director Nanisa Osborn, when compared with store-bought and home-delivered bottled water.
Osborn presented the revised utility rates to Canal Winchester Village Council on Dec. 7, punctuating her presentation with visual aides illustrating the difference between village water rates with the increase and costs paid by consumers at local stores.
The proposed five year plan increases water rates-per 1,000 gallons-from $5.41 in 2009 to $5.85 in 2014. For the same per-gallon use, sewer rates would rise over five years from $5.39 to $5.65. The storm management fee per billing cycle would remain constant at $6 throughout the period.
"I am recommending the rate for water be increased with the first billing in 2010 and sewer be increased as well," said Osborn. "Together they represent a 24 cent per 1,000 gallon increase."
Citing the difference between perception and reality, Osborn said people don't often have a good handle on how they spend money as she compared the costs of bottled water with water from the tap. She said consumers spend $1 or more for bottled water, usually processed from a municipal water source, at the store and would end up spending $1,600 for the same amount as supplied by village lines for less than $6. A five-gallon jug of water costs approximately $7.73, but residents pay less than $5.50 for 500 gallons delivered through utility lines to their homes.
"I propose five years worth of rates, which would be a (total) 70 cent per 1,000 gallon increase over five years," said Osborn.
Gender Road Safety Study
Public Works Director Matt Peoples said the village was notified, in partnership with Columbus, it received $2.1 million to complete a Gender Road Safety Study in fiscal year 2012.
"The award will not cover the entire amount required, so we will be meeting with Columbus officials to come up with an equitable cost sharing agreement," said Peoples. "This project will widen Gender from four lanes to five lanes from Route 33 to Winchester Pike, widen Gender to three lanes from Winchester Pike to just north of Lehman, add a traffic signal at Lehman, and relocate Winchester Pike to the Winchester Lakes intersection with a new traffic signal."
According to Peoples, the total approximate cost for the project is $4.7 million.
Utility billing and landlords
A revision in utility operating rules and regulations that generated concern from local landlords regarding the placement of bills in their name instead of their tenant's name reached an amicable resolution and easily passed on third reading.
"We made changes that were acceptable to the landlords," reported Councilman John Bender.
Under new language, the policy allows tenants-within the perimeters of an agreement with their landlord-to be billed by the village for utility service. Landlords will only receive a copy of a second billing (if the tenant is late paying their statement) and any termination notices. Law Director Gene Hollins said the village has the ability to collect through an assessment process if the bill is not paid.
Skatepark
In a Nov. 25 letter, Mayor Mike Ebert thanked Andy Seals of Seals Construction, Inc. for performing earthwork on a new skate park under construction at the entrance to Hanners Park on Groveport Road.
"Thanks to community partners such as Seals Construction, Canal Winchester continues to be regarded as a great place to live and do business," stated Ebert. "In the midst of village-wide budget cuts, your efforts helped make this community project a reality and we look forward to the park being a source of enjoyment for our youth (and some adults) for years to come."
Senior transportation/Madison Twp.
Ebert said commented on discussions with Madison Township to provide senior transportation to township residents.
"In the past, they (Madison Township) were provided this service by Groveport," stated Ebert, "but due to financial reasons, Groveport will no longer provide (senior) transportation outside of their village boundaries. We are working with them to see if we can help without hindering our program and budget."
Diley Ridge Medical Center
Diley Ridge Medical Center representative Jody Wilson said construction is on track and the center is scheduled to see its first patient in March 2010. The $36-million first phase of a potential three-phase endeavor, consists of a 36,000-square-foot emergency and imaging departments staffed by board-certified emergency physicians and nurses.
"The public is very eager to open this building," Wilson said during her presentation. "We hope to have open house events in February."
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