CIRCLEVILLE – People locally are noticing that their water bill has gone up significantly in 2021, the reason, an outdated water and sewer plant that is in immediate need for renovations.
The city has approved of water and sewer rates would see a 35 percent increase in water fees for 2021, and then an additional three percent increase in 2022 through 2025. For sewer, the increases would be 30 percent for 2021; 27.5 percent for 2022; 25 percent for 2023; and three percent for 2024 and 2025.
The heavy load of increase on the front end is to play catch up with the renovations. Large replacement items such as the screens, headworks, tank rehabilitation are the bulk of the cost. Council is using this increase to pay for those major renovations.
“[The plant] has simply outlived its useful life,” Brian Frost, wastewater treatment plant superintendent said.
“These are desperately needed improvements and funding we need to improve and maintain our water and sewer systems,” Todd Brady, council member, and service committee chair said.
