WAUSEON, OH (Toledo News Now) -
Residents in Wauseon got a pleasant surprise
as city council members voted to delay a water rate increase that was set to
kick in April 1.
According to City Finance Director Jon
Schamp, the council decided they just don't need that extra money right now,
and can postpone or possibly eliminate the increase.
"You need to keep plenty of money there for
maintenance, but at this time it was not an immediate need," Schamp said.
In 2009 the city voted to add six water and
sewer rate increases, spread out over coming years. This year, water bills were
supposed to go up 5 percent, and sewer rates would jump by 15 percent.
Now the increase has been pushed back to
November. At that time, council will re-evaluate the increase and either enact
it or eliminate it.
Schamp said this move will help residents get
through the summer, when usage is high.
"People are watering their lawns, their
gardens," he said. "People are filling their swimming pools. So by postponing
it until November, it doesn't hit as hard."
And at least some residents are happy with
the decision.
"Five percent makes a difference," said
resident Callie Puehler. "Every little bit of money helps with today's economy."
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