Public Works Committee OKs Sewer Rate Hike, On to Council Now

The Solon Public Works Committee voted to pass a proposed 9 percent sewer rate increase to city council.

The increase will help bolster the

The committee held a public hearing Wednesday night to gather opinions on the rate increase. However, only one resident came to the meeting, and he had nothing to add on the topic.

Solon residents pay, on average, about $472 per year on sewer rates.

The department has already worked to trim the budget, cutting more than $400,000 through early retirements, staff re-organizations, outsourcing, slashing chemical costs and more.

Committee chairman and City Councilman Robert Pelunis asked why residents who use 1,000 cubic feet (MCF) or less will have to pay the 9 percent hike. Sewage Director Paul Solanics said he compared sewer rates and everyone pays around the 1 MCF level.

Solanics was also concerned about whether 9 percent would be enough to pay his debt when the billing cycle came around, but Finance Director Dennis Kennedy said money can be borrowed from the city's general fund to help foot the bill.

*Solon Patch Editor Chris Mazzolini contributed to this article.