WATER … Council did a first-time vote for increasing water rates, an issue that hasn’t been addressed in the last 25 years.
By: Renea Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
renea@thevillagereporter.com
The Lyons Village Council met for its regular session on Monday, December 8, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by approval of the previous meeting’s minutes.
Council first received its update on the village tower project. Officials explained that the project will be rebid due to the first bid coming out $800,000 too high, with bids going out and a bid opening scheduled for January 15.
Discussion then turned to electric rates, where it was reported that Palmer Energy attempted to secure a lower electric bid but was unsuccessful. Council was informed that another attempt will be made in early 2026.
Council members next addressed several recent village improvements and events. It was noted that the new fence at Dunbar Ingall Park has been installed and is receiving positive feedback.
The recent tree lighting event was also discussed and was described as successful despite freezing cold temperatures.
A street department update followed, with officials explaining that the first leaf pickup was spread out longer than usual due to heavy snowfall that arrived early and remained on the ground.
With continued snow and cold conditions, council was advised that a final leaf pickup will likely not be possible. Council then held a first vote on a cybersecurity policy required by the state.
An update was provided regarding a planned meeting with the City of Wauseon, which was canceled by Wauseon and will be rescheduled for a later date.
This meeting was to discuss a water agreement with the city so that the council can decide whether to renew their contract with Wauseon or contract out to Toledo. Council also received an update on an ongoing fraud issue involving a check.
Officials stated they continue to work with the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office and other state departments in an effort to recover the funds from the final check.
Attention then shifted to water system matters, where council held a first reading on a proposed water rate adjustment scheduled to take effect in March 2026.
Officials explained the increase is tied to the expiration of a 25-year contract in 2026, with rates under the new agreement expected to rise significantly. It was noted that this would mark only the second water rate increase in the past 12 years.
Under the proposal, in-town customers would see the base rate increase to $29.56, with each additional 1,000 gallons billed at $6.30, while out-of-town customers would move to a base rate of $41.94, with each additional 1,000 gallons billed at $8.99.
Council reviewed water system readings from November, with THM levels reported at 70.4 at the pump house and 49.6 at the tower. Officials stated village averages remain very good. Council also discussed a water leak on East Morenci Street that occurred on November 12.
Communication improvements were also discussed, with officials announcing plans to begin sending quarterly email newsletters. It was further noted that the village will have a new email address by the end of the week.
Council voted to accept local government funds and later discussed insurance matters. Officials reported a significant insurance increase for 2026 through Rod’s Insurance, but council voted to keep the same insurance plan.
Meeting schedule changes for 2026 were then addressed. Council approved moving regular meetings to the second Monday of each month, except for January, when the meeting will be held on January 7.
Council then entered executive session to discuss personnel matters, including raises and insurance. The meeting adjourned following the executive session.