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EAST LIVERPOOL -- After going since 2017 without a water rate increase and having some of the lowest water rates around, East Liverpool will see a second water rate increase within an eight-month period.
Residents saw the first increase in May when city council voted for it. The current increase was approved unanimously by the Board of Public Utilities.
Effective Jan. 1, residents will pay $5 more for every 1,000 gallons of water, making the cost of water $31.80 per 1,000 gallons with a 2,000-gallon minimum. The increase will show on February's bills.
The increase takes East Liverpool from having the lowest rate in the area to about average or slightly above some of the other surrounding communities. At a previous meeting, Board member Tim Clark provided the following rates for nearby communities: Steubenville at $48.35, Buckeye at $30.90, Toronto at $27, East Palestine at $26.25, Chester at $25.87, Salem at 32.02 and Lisbon at $31.63.
The board will review where the city is with the water financially again in November and decide if they need to do an annual percentage increase of 3 to 4 percent.
In other business, Water Superintendent Paul McCarthy informed the board that the new boiler at the plant had been installed and will need to be inspected by the Ohio Department of Commerce.
He also said the number one river pump is down and gave an estimate of $35,438 to rebuild it, which would take five to six weeks, or approximately $33,000 for a new one, which would take 10 to 12 weeks to receive. Based on the urgency to get it repaired in case the other one goes down, the board gave McCarthy the approval to go ahead with the rebuild.
McCarthy also noted the plant is still having staffing issues with losing a line manager a couple months ago and now facing the possibility of losing two operators. They do not have anyone in house who could be hired to be the line manager and would have to go through the union. Budget matters are an issue with filling empty positions. Clark mentioned possibly approaching council and seeing about borrowing money from the R&I (Repairs and Improvement) Fund to use to hire the staff needed.
David Freeman, who is serving as the wastewater superintendent, told the board about multiple repairs needing done, but he is waiting for a list of work to be covered in phase one of upgrades to the plant to make sure the items he says needs repaired aren't on the list to be done. Freeman said he has requested the list of upgrades multiple times but has yet to receive it.
The board adjourned into executive session to discuss finance and personnel with no action taken.
The Board of Public Utilities meets the third Thursday of each month at 2 p.m. in council chambers at city hall. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Jan. 18.
karabrandt@mojonews.com