EAST PALESTINE – After conducting a study of village water and sewer rates, MS Consultants have recommended an increase over the next five years, according to East Palestine village manager Antonio Diaz-Guy.

During Monday’s regular meeting, Diaz-Guy detailed that the village commissioned the study as it had been several years since rates had been examined.

Although the village is on the right track overall with its sewer rates (except increasing it to reflect inflation), MS Consultants advised that a water hike was in order for 2026 and 2027, but officials can level the price out for 2028 through 2030.

Although no specific numbers were cited, Diaz-Guy assured that East Palestine’s water and sewer rates would remain comparable with the rest of the region.

Speaking of utilities, council learned that water crews repaired a 2-inch waterline that had frozen over in a culvert on Carbon Hill Road. The department replaced a lead service line and broken curb stop on East Main Street as well as fixed two water breaks on West Martin Street and Brookdale Avenue, costing nearly $3,915 for those jobs alone.

Both police and fire departments recently received equipment upgrades. In addition to sponsoring a training class on the Intoxilyzer 8000 machine, EPPD also recently acquired VR (virtual reality) headsets, which allow them to receive immersive simulations of de-escalating, use of force and crisis intervention as well as $19,459 in state funding for body cameras.

The fire department took possession of their new Sulphen engine on Feb. 11, saw Josh Brown and Robbi Hill promoted to lieutenant and Bruce Minamyer promoted to captain.

EMS also saw Amanda Noel and Brittany Hill promoted to lieutenants as well as recently completed training on basic life savings, cardiac monitoring and IV establishment as well as held a CPR/first aid class for village employees.

In other action, members approved the second reading of the village’s 2026 paving ordinance; first readings of amended rate ordinances for water, sewer and newsletter advertising; as well as took emergency action on the recently completed federal Economic Development Administration application, which not only supports the business park project but also addresses pre-existing issues with the water treatment plant and bottlenecks throughout the distribution system.

sujhelyi@mojonews.com