Carrollton raises sewer, water rates to keep up with costs

By Thomas Clapper

CCM Reporter

Carrollton Village Council unanimously agreed to raise the sewer and water bill at its Feb. 12 council meeting. 

“This is one of those things we don’t like to talk about, but we have to do it,” said Village Administrator Mark Wells. “We have been charging a low amount, but costs have gone up. Just a hydrant has gone up approximately $1,000 more than before.”

The sewer rate was raised approximately 10 years ago in 2014. Inside the village the water will go from $15 to $17.50. The sewer will go from $16.50 to $20. There will be a Storm Water Assessment $3. The total minimum bill per month will be $40.50, from 0-2,000 gallons. 

Water outside the village will be $25.38 (45% surcharge); Sewer outside the village will be $29. The total minimum bill is $54.38 per month outside village, up to 2,000 gallons. 

This was discussed at a work session meeting on Jan. 30. The ordinance O#2024-07 states this is effective April 1, but it was mentioned at the Feb. 12 regular meeting that it takes effect 30 days after the third reading of the ordinance. 

In an unrelated matter, reports were given by village departments. The street department will be patching holes and 75% of the salt order has been accounted for. The water department wants to get new filters and is still testing the water once a week with results being posted online. The manganese and iron levels have been good. Someone shot the east tank with a gun and it was drained and patched so it is good to go. The fire report stated they had 21 calls in January.

In other business, council:

-APPOINTED Corey Yeager and Brittany Tangler to the Volunteer Fire Department Dependency Board. 

-HEARD smoke detectors are available through the state fire marshal for those who meet income criteria. 

-HEARD Wells say the sewer plant filter replacement plan has a quote of $265,280, but he suggested tabling it for now because he is meeting with Kubota Membrane next week to explore more options. Wells hopes the quote will be reduced. 

-HEARD about the Lawrence Dr. fence when Councilman Chris Barto asked about bubble mirrors and if they could help. Village Administrator Mark Wells said the village has “Children at Play” signs that can be placed. The village will get together with the Carrollton Police Department to see about the bubble mirrors. 

“I understand the concerns regarding the safety of kids,” said Wells. 

“I drove through and if you pay attention to the road and don’t stare at the fence, the fence is not really an issue,” said Councilman Tom White.

-HELD executive session regarding the discipline of a public employee with no action taken. 

-PAID the bills of $135,169.89 in vendors and $113,979.89 in payroll. Also paid were bills without prior certification.