Utility rates on the rise

PERKINS TWP. — Come June 1, Erie County customers can expect to see a higher billing rate for their utility usage. This will affect: • The 10,000 water customers, who last experienced a hike in 2017. • The 10,500 sewer customers, who last experienced a hike in 2019. A decision resulted after county commissioners hosted public meetings on the topic in January. Hank Solowiej, the county's finance director, provided some details about why this is occurring: The underlying reason: "The county believes these rate increases are necessary to provide sustainable operations for sewer and water facilities. It also paves the way for increased efficiency and effectiveness in operations into the future." The background: "In December 2018, Erie County received an administrative order from the U.S. EPA. The (agency) mandated the county address issues with the sewer district. This includes leaking pipes, sewer overflows and upgrades to (the) wastewater treatment plant." Note: These new rates should generate about $1 million in new revenues for Erie County on an annual basis, paying for these necessary upgrades. The delays: "The county has received higher rates from water suppliers that have not been passed on to customers for several years. It is estimated the county has absorbed over $2 million in these costs, however, the county is unable to do so any longer. We have delayed these increased as long as possible." The price spike: "The average sewer bill increase is just over $2.50 a month and an average water customer (bill increase) is around $4 per month." Note: Here's a listing of what an average customer can expect to pay: • For sewer, an average household today is paying $33.60 per month. Once the new rate goes into effect, that same household using a mirroring amount will pay $36.12 per month. • For Water District A, an average household today is paying $29.24 per month. Once the new rate goes into effect, that same household using a mirroring amount will pay $32.89 per month. • For Water District B, an average household today is paying $60.41 per month. Once the new rate goes into effect, that same household using a mirroring amount will pay $64.66 per month. The timing: "The first increase will commence on June 1. Rates will be formally reviewed by (commissioners) on an annual basis through June 2025. The effective date of June (1, 2021,) has been chosen to give economic conditions time to improve as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic." The difficulties: "If customers are having difficulty paying, we ask that they call the billing office at 419-627-7638 to discuss their situation. The billing office will offer an opportunity for payment arrangements and payment plans. After this point, if a customer does not remain compliant with their payment plan or arrangements, they will be subject to shutoff procedures."