By: John Fryman
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
john@thevillagereporter.com
Through a recently completed rate and cost of service study for sewer usage, the City of Bryan was recommended to increase its revenue by ten percent for the next four years, beginning this year at its council session on Tuesday, January 20.
With a shortfall of revenue projected to begin at $880,000 in 2027 based on current revenues, it’s because the $12 million wastewater treatment plant project is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
Bryan’s sewer rates haven’t increased since 2022. “The recommendation would be to increase revenues overall by approximately ten percent a year over the next four years,” said John Courtney of Courtney & Associates.
“We’re talking about ten percent of current revenues and were not talking about a compounding effect. It’s just ten percent of the current revenue each year, where we’ll increase revenues by that amount.”
Courtney said the average residential customer’s bill, under the proposed increases, would go from about $32 per month now, to $34.96 this year, $37.88 in 2027, $40.84 in 2028 and $43.25 in 2029.
For commercial customers who are currently paying $53.75 per month, the cost would be $60.16 this year, $66.38 in 2027, $72.79 in 2028 and $79.00 in 2029.
Industrial customers who are paying $703.75 currently will be paying $804.81 this year, $901.88 in 2027, $1,002.74 in 2028 and $1,100.00 in 2029.
Council later took a first reading on an ordinance to accept the proposed sewer rate increases. Two more readings would follow before it becomes final.
In other council business:
-Authorized Mayor Carrie Schlade to enter into a grant agreement with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for a Nature Works Grant of $23,128 to install a pavilion at Lincoln Park.
-Accepted various donations totaling $10,320 to the Parks and Recreation Department for the Fountain City Amphitheater.
-Accepted a donation of $2,500 from Mary Jane and Terry Fitzcharles to the City of Bryan Fire Department for fire prevention.
-Authorized the sale of no longer needed city property by internet auction through GovDeals.
-Approved a resolution authorizing Fire Chief Doug Pool to apply for grants for the fire department for 2026.
-Authorized the city engineer to apply for grants through the Ohio Public Works Commission.
-Authorized Clerk-Treasurer John Lehner to advertise bids for the 2026 pavement marking program.
-Authorized Lehner to advertise bids for the 2026 Street Improvement Projects. The projects will include improvements on Rolland Street, Baker Street, and from West High Street to West Bryan Street.
-Authorized Lehner to advertise bids for street improvement projects involving West Trevitt Street and part of the 100 block of East Bement Street.
-Authorized Lehner to advertise bids for the 2026 asphalt program.
-Approved a Community Reinvestment Area tax exemption application submitted by Crossed Rifles, LLC. The CRA will provide 100 percent tax relief on a remodeling project. The project will invest $550,000 and cover 2,087 square feet for a shooting range.
-Approved a building permit for a new 42,548 square foot building at 701 Brunicardi Way for Doc’s Diesel. The investment is listed at $5 million. A ten-year tax abatement for this project was approved by the city in 2024.
-Approved a property easement agreement with Eitri Foundry, LLC, for access to city property near the wastewater treatment plant to construct a solar facility. The agreement is for a period of thirty years.
The council will meet next Monday, February 2 at 6:30 p.m.