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DOWNTOWN AKRON — Sewer rates in the City of Akron will be increasing for the first time in over a decade beginning next year following Akron City Council’s approval of the increase during the Oct. 20 meeting by an 11-1 vote with Councilman Donnie Kammer (D-Ward 7) voting against the increase. Reached after the meeting, Kammer said there were several factors as to why he voted against the increase, calling it a “tough vote.” He said over the past few years he has heard from his constituents about increasing utility bills and property taxes. “The sewer rate is the only voice I have,” Kammer said regarding utility bills increases. “I hear my residents, and I cannot support that.” Kammer also has concerns with the lack of transparency from the mayor about the increases and said the city should have hosted town hall meetings to better educate residents about the need to increase rates. The rate increases will be phased in from 2026 to 2029, along with a fixed fee based on the size of a water meter. The city has proposed a 5.3% increase for each of the four years. The increases come as the city continues to fulfill the federal consent decree issued in 2014 to eliminate sewer overflows and comply with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards. According to city officials, a fixed monthly cost recovery charge of $5 will be implemented in 2026 for customers with a 5/8-inch to 1-inch meter. It will remain the same in 2027, increase to $10 in 2028 and finally to $12.50 in 2029. The city also has proposed a fixed monthly charge to begin in 2028 in the event that Akron has to proceed with building an Enhanced High-Rate Treatment (EHRT) facility as part of the city’s consent decree. The city is currently negotiating in court to be able to complete alternative projects with equivalent environmental and community benefits to save ratepayers money on not building the EHRT. If Akron has to build the EHRT, that fee would be an additional $15 beginning in 2028. For the average Akron residential customer using 400 cubic feet per month, these changes mean that in 2026 they can expect their monthly sewer bill to increase by $7.24. In 2027, their bill would increase another $2.36. Without having to build the EHRT, the average bill would increase an additional $7.52 in 2028 and finally another $5.14 in 2029. Overall, residents can expect to see their bill go up a little over $22 per month between now and 2029. One change made to the legislation since it was introduced was the removal of the ability for the city to raise rates due to inflation beginning in 2029, without the need for approval from Council. This was removed following concerns from several Council members. Also during the meeting, Council approved two pieces of legislation creating regulations for vape/smoke shops in the city through a zoning text change. According to the text change, new shops would be required to have a license before opening or would face a $1,000 fine. A new shop also cannot be located within 1 mile of an existing vape/smoke shop, and must be at least 500 feet from schools or community learning centers, playgrounds, libraries, churches and community centers. The legislation states a smoke shop is defined as any retail establishment with at least 20% of its retail space used to sell the products. While existing shops will be grandfathered in when it comes to distance regulations, all shops will be required to obtain a license to operate, according to the legislation. In other business, Council approved: • the Commerce Park Drive Redevelopment Plan; • a conditional-use permit to establish a group home at 799 Stadelman Ave.; • a conditional-use permit to establish a three-unit apartment at 892 Delia Ave.; • a conditional-use permit to establish a parking area consisting of crushed asphalt grindings at 1100 Triplett Blvd.; • a conditional-use permit to establish a beauty salon at 483 Howe St.; and • a $111,243 contract with LeadsOnline LLC for software services to support law enforcement. Council also placed the following on the consent agenda to be voted on next week: √ a $75,000 contract with the Ohio and Erie Canalway Coalition for landscape maintenance services at Lock 3 for the 2025 season; √ a $72,000 contract with Core & Main LP for the purchase of parts and equipment necessary to repair a 36-inch and 48-inch water distribution pipe; √ a $80,000 contract with Rexel USA Inc. to upgrade water distribution pumps; and √ a $193,000 contract with Pelton Environmental Products Inc. for the purchase of parts to replace chain and flight sludge collection systems at the water plant. Akron City Council will next meet Oct. 27 with committee meetings at 1 p.m. and a regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers on the third floor of the Akron Municipal Building, 166 S. High St. The public can view the meetings on Council’s YouTube page, with a link available at www.akroncitycouncil.org.
