Politics & Government

Sewer Rates Going Up Jan. 1

Councilman urges residents to take advantage of discounts

A controversial sewer rate increase that seeks to raise $3 billion over the next five years has been approved and will take effect Jan. 1.

The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District has voted to raise rates an average of 13 percent a year for the next five years, meaning the typical suburban household will see its quarterly bills go from the current $90 to $157 in 2016.

Ward 4 Councilman Scott Maloney said some qualifying residents can take advantage of discounts NEORSD is offering:

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• Homestead Exemption -- Discounts for homeowners 65 and older will increase from the current 33 percent to 40 percent. The typical Homestead customer's sewer rates will increase by only about $7 per quarter by 2016. But Maloney said a large number of homeowners who qualify for Homestead are not enrolled. Call 216-881-8247 to apply.

• Wastewater Affordability Program -- A 40 percent discount is offered to homeowners of any age whose household income is at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty level.

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• Hardship -- Residents facing financial hardships from medical bills, job loss or divorce can seek to have some fees forgiven and spread payments monthly.

The increases are to pay for Project Clean Lake, which seeks to reduce the amount of untreated sewage flowing into Lake Erie and other waterways by improving the regional sewer system and constructing several deep tunnels to hold overflow.

NEORSD negotiated the plan with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to stave off being sued for not complying with the federal Clean Water Act.


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