ELYRIA, Ohio — Starting in the new year, Elyria residents will see a sharp increase in their water bills, with rates set to rise by 15% annually for the next three years.
Elyria City Council approved the hike Monday night, despite concerns over its financial impact on local households. Ward 1 Councilman Andrew Lipian, who voted against the measure, voiced misgivings over the speed and scale of the increase.
"At this point, Elyrians need to prepare for a pretty heavy hit to their pocketbook in the next three years," Lipian said in an interview. "For us to put the gas on the pedal this hard, this fast, given that one in five Elyrians live in poverty is a big ask and it's going to hurt. It's going to hurt people. They might not feel it in year one, but they'll be feeling it in year two and year three."
Lipian proposed a smaller 10% annual increase during Monday's meeting, but the motion failed.
Why the rate hike is needed
Assistant City Engineer Kathryn McKillips explained told 3News the 15% compounded water rate hike, though challenging, is necessary to maintain Elyria's aging infrastructure. An outside consultant recommended the increase after studying the city's water system.
"Right now, that's the number for us to stay whole on that water side," McKillips said.
The funds will be used to upgrade vital infrastructure, including three transmission mains that carry water from Lake Erie to Elyria. According to McKillips, the city avoided significant water rate increases in previous years because it prioritized raising sewer rates to comply with a federally mandated consent decree for sewer system improvements at a cost of more than $250 million.
"Basically, we're playing catch-up on the water side," she added.
Impact on Elyria residents
The approved water rate increase will appear on residents' February 2025 bills. An additional sewer rate increase of 3.75% will take effect over the same three-year period. Combined, the average water and sewer bill for a household using 500 cubic feet (3,700 gallons) will rise to $110.06 per month in 2025, per McKillips.
Elyria residents will also see a $5 increase in their monthly sanitation bill in 2025.
Help is available
For residents struggling to pay their water and sewer bills, McKillips encourages them to contact Elyria's Public Utilities Department to learn about potential assistance programs.