Some Cincinnati leaders balk at water rate hike plan
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Two Cincinnati City Council members say they'll oppose proposed annual water rate hikes of nearly 10% through 2031, arguing large water users should pay more.
Why it matters: The increases would add nearly $19 a month to the average residential bill by 2031, raising questions about who should pay for infrastructure upgrades.
Driving the news: Water Works proposed a plan to pay for
federal mandates to remove lead pipes and so-called forever chemicals (PFAs).
- But Councilmembers Mark Jeffreys and Anna Albi believe there are better ways to pay for them than burdening residents who've already seen their taxes go up alongside other cost-of-living increases.
How it works: In Cincinnati, the more water customers use, the less they pay per gallon.
- Customers pay $3.86 for every 748 gallons used. But after 14,960 gallons in a month, the price drops to $3.25 for every additional 748 gallons. It drops again to $2.90 after 448,800 gallons.
- Water Works says the average residential household uses about 4,563 gallons a month, meaning most never use enough water to get the discount.
What they're saying: "This is a massive increase," Jeffreys tells Axios. "It's not something that I'm supportive of at this time."
- He says he wants to explore a system where customers pay more per gallon as they use more water, similar to Butler County's system.
- Albi believes the city should eliminate the lower rates for heavy water users. She's also advocating for offering more discounts to lower-income working households.
Yes, but: Water Works says looking at lower rates for high usage alone doesn't tell the whole story.
- Spokesperson Kevin Osborne tells Axios customers also pay a fixed charge based on the size of their water meter.
- A typical homeowner pays $9.26 a month for that charge, compared with $771.30 for a large industrial customer.
Flashback: Cincinnati residents have already seen annual water rate increases since at least 2012, including 5.55% hikes each year since 2023.
- "There's no question in my mind that we need to pay for these improvements," Albi says. "The question is who and how do we pay?"
The intrigue: A spokesperson for Mayor Aftab Pureval says he supports the rate increase. While the mayor can't vote on legislation, he does have veto power.
Other ideas: Jeffreys says Water Works should look for potential operating cost savings and pursue more federal funding, especially since they're trying to accommodate federal mandates.
- He says selling water to other communities across Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky would generate more revenue.
What's next: Council's Budget and Finance Committee is expected to consider the proposal Monday, with a possible full council vote Wednesday.