New Philadelphia City Council is considering doubling the city’s water and wastewater rates over the next six years.
Service Director Ron McAbier introduced the proposed increase Monday while highlighting how costs and needs are up and New Philadelphia’s rates would remain lower than the state average.
Councilman Kris Kreinbihl asked about changes to record-keeping to keep track of where the additional money goes and to make sure it’s there for future upgrades and unexpected repairs.
Council woman Cheryl Ramos did not support the proposed increase.
“Thinking of the taxpayers and the residents in our city. Proposal number two does increase the rates in the water department 120% to 2031. The wastewater 113%.”
Council president Don Kemp sympathized with rate payers but saw the rationale for the increase.
“I know we want to do what’s right but if your waterline broke you want it fixed and we need the money there to do it.”
Council will officially vote on the proposal at a future meeting.
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