Mary Alice Reporting – Tuscarawas County Commissioners gave approval for a rate increase after hearing from the Metropolitan Sewer District.

Engineer Mike Jones attended Monday’s meeting to discuss the user charges for the water and sewer district that is comprised of sub-districts throughout the county.

Jones says the rate adjustments take effect January 2023 and will change the sewer rate from $42.51 to $43.36.

“Water, the current typical monthly residential rate is $45.40 and that would go to $46.02. Water and sewer rates, for the past 20 years, has averaged about 4.2, 4.3 percent per year of an increase [in the state] so we’re well below that threshold.”

He noted that, by comparison of statewide averages, Tuscarawas County is below the state is both water and sewer charges.

Other fees, such as tap-in, permit, and other miscellaneous charges will not see a price fluctuation.

“We’ve had a lot of volatility and unexpected costs this year so hopefully, next year, it will be better but even with the inflation and volatility that we’ve experienced, I think looking at a two percent, three percent increase is pretty good.”

Before an affirming vote to increase the rates, Commissioner Al Landis pointed out the work ethic that Jones has in his preparedness, dedication, and attention to details.

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