MASSILLON – Aqua Ohio is seeking a water rate increase for city customers to help fund system improvements and facility expansion, as well as water pipeline replacement and upgrades.
An additional 5.5% charge would be assessed on the total water bill of each Massillon customer and cost $2.68 more per month for an average residence using 3,900 gallons, starting in January 2027. The average monthly bill is estimated to climb to $51.31 starting next year.
The annual rate would jump by 5.75% for 2028, with continued 5.75% increases each year through 2031, according to Aqua’s proposal.
Legislation on the proposed rate system will be introduced to City Council during its June 15 regular meeting. In the coming weeks, members will discuss the issue and vote whether to approve the rate adjustment.
“Every five years or so, we renegotiate (rates) to assist with replacing old pipes, pumps, valves and filters,” said Jeff LaRue, spokesman for the water company. “It’s part of doing our business.”
In 2021, Massillon and Aqua Ohio agreed to a 3.25% rate increase for 2022, and had additional increases in following years.
City Council is tasked with approving the new charge for it to go into effect, as many public utilities in Ohio are required to seek local government approval for rate adjustments via state statute.
If city officials decline Aqua’s request, the state’s Public Utilities Commission of Ohio can impose a rate hike that may be higher than the proposed amount.
Councilwoman Sarita Cunningham, R-at large, said she plans to be supportive of the increase.
“If we don’t agree, it goes to the PUCO,” she said. “That’s never lower than what Aqua brings to us. I will vote yes on this.”
The PUCO this month signed off on a water rate increase for customers not covered by a local government ordinance. The average residential customer will see a $9 to $15 increase in their monthly water bill, depending on the service territory, the PUCO said.
Aqua Ohio rate increase would help fund facility, system upgrades
The rate increases proposed by Aqua Ohio aim to help fund capital improvements for the water system, totaling more than $88 million over the next five years, LaRue said.
Approximately $36 million aims to add new storage tanks, valves and other equipment at Aqua Ohio’s Massillon plant, 870 Third St. NW. Nearly $30 million is dedicated to replace water main lines throughout the company’s Stark County territory.
There is room for Massillon officials to negotiate a lower rate increase, but there would be a cost, LaRue said.
“Could we adjust something down — yes, but that means important infrastructure isn’t getting done,” he said.
Aqua Ohio serves about 40,000 customers in Massillon and Green, as well as Jackson and Perry townships. The water company negotiates the same rate for each area.
Stark County commissioners are tasked with approving water rate increases for the townships, LaRue said.
About 17,000 Aqua customers are in Massillon. Overall, the company serves approximately 154,000 customers in Ohio.
Reach Steven Grazier at steven.grazier@indeonline.com. On X (formerly Twitter): @sgrazierINDE
This article originally appeared on The Independent: Aqua Ohio seeks 5.5% residential water rate hike for Massillon customers
Reporting by Steven M. Grazier, Massillon Independent / The Independent
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Steven M. Grazier, Massillon Independent | USA TODAY Network
