Explanation
This ordinance authorizes an increase in water rates effective January 1, 2025 for the Division of Water and amends Chapter 1105 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959.
Requested adjustments in rates result in a typical inside city residential water rate increase of 7%. When a sewer increase of 6% and a 1% increase in stormwater rates are considered, the overall impact on a typical residential customer's bill in the City of Columbus is 6.06% and for a typical outside city residential customer, the overall bill impact is 6.49%. Low Income Discount participant's overall bill impact is 6.0%. Outside city customers are not charged stormwater fees. Considering the 2025 rates increases for water, sewer, and storm combined -- based on an average residential customer with water use of 17 ccf's per quarter, City of Columbus residents are estimated to see their total bill increase $13.67 per quarter, or $54.67 per year. City of Columbus residents with a household of four or more with water use of 30 ccf's per quarter are estimated to see their total bill increase $21.41 per quarter, or $85.65 per year.
The Sewer and Water Advisory Board (SWAB) met on October 9, 2024, and after reviewing the Department of Public Utilities' projected expenditures for Fiscal Year 2025, recommends to City Council a 7% increase in water rates.
The proposed rate configuration for 2025 recognizes that water and sewer charges disproportionately affect lower income groups. The Department of Public Utilities will continue the Low Income Discount Programs that discounts participant's water commodity portion of their quarterly bill. The Board recommends an increase to the percentage of the discount from 20% to 25% and an increase in the qualifying federal poverty limit from 150% to 200%. The Department of Public Utilities will also continue the Eligible Senior Customer Discount that waives the monthly water service charges. The Board recommends an increase in the qualifying federal pove...
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