By Linda Dillman
Staff Writer
Despite a downturn in the economy, the city of Canal Winchester will extend its promise to not raise water and sewer fees outside the special water and sewer allocation districts for another two years.
“Back in 2018, you passed an ordinance for a four-year rate, setting the first two years with no increases,” Public Service Director Matt Peoples told Canal Winchester City Council during its Oct. 19 work session. “We are doing better than projected on the revenue side. We’re confident we can forego the increase. We’re very proud we’re able to do this. It’s the perfect time.”
Peoples said his department is grateful to be in this financial position and expects it will provide some financial relief to those hit by virus restrictions.
According to the pair of ordinances setting user fees until 2022, the domestic water and sprinkler rates per 1,000 gallons are currently $6.33 and will not rise for more than a year.
The bulk water rate charge per 1,000 gallons remains steady through the beginning of 2022 at $8.90. The sanitary sewer user fee charge is $5.88. With the approval of the ordinance, forgoing a scheduled fee increase in 2021, the rate will not change until Jan. 1, 2022.
According to the ordinances, up for a first reading during the Oct. meeting, both utility funds exceeded anticipated fund performances over the past two years, which reduced the need for the scheduled increase.
“Good planning,” said Councilman Mike Coolman.
Gender Road project
Peoples reported on a design concept for a Gender Road Phase VI project that will include pedestrian connection across the Gender Road overpass as well as additional lanes.
“Our plan would be to utilize ODOT (Ohio Department of Transportation) safety funding as well OPWC (Ohio Public Works Commission) funding and we are preparing to begin assembling the application,” Peoples said. “We have had project discussions with ODOT and they indicated they are in support and it would complement their U.S. Route 33 capacity and congestion study currently underway.”
