Explanation
BACKGROUND
This ordinance authorizes an increase in sewer rates effective January 1, 2027 for the Division of Water Reclamation and to amend Chapter 1147 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959.
With the 2027 rates increases for water, sewer, and storm combined -- based on residential water usage of 5,236 gallons a month, or 175 gallons a day (which is also 7 centum cubic feet (ccf's) per month, or 21 (ccfs) a quarter), City of Columbus residents estimated bill increase is $10.29 per month, or $123.48 per year, or 9.9% above 2026. Income qualified discount participant's estimated monthly bill increase is $7.67 per month, or $92.04 per year, or 9.8% above 2026. Outside city residential customers estimated monthly bill increase is $12.68 a month, or $153.16 a year, or 11.1% above 2026. Customer's bill impact will vary with usage.
Residents with higher usage of 7,480 gallons of water a month, or 249 gallons a day (which is also 10 centum cubic feet (ccf's) per month, or 30 (ccfs) a quarter), may see their total bill increase $13.69 per month, or $164.28 per year, or 9.9% above 2026. Income qualified discount participant's estimated monthly increase is $9.88 per month, or $118.56 per year, or 9.9% above 2026. Outside city residential customers estimated monthly bill increase is $16.94 a month, or $203.28 a year, or 11.04% above 2026. Customer's bill impact will vary with usage.
Commercial customers subject to extra strength charges will see an increase of 3% for inside-city and outside-city BOD (Biological Oxygen Demand), 3% for inside-city and outside-city TKN (Total Kjeldal Nitrogen), and 13% for inside-city and outside-city TSS (Total Suspended Solids), per cost of service, starting January 1, 2027.
The Utility Advisory Board (UAB) met on October 21, 2026, and after reviewing Columbus Water and Power's projected expenditures for Fiscal Year 2027, recommends to City Council an increase in such sewer rates.
The proposed rate configuration for 2027 re...
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