PHOTO BY BRENNA WHITE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
IN OPPOSITION … Paul Gacker and Kevin Herman discuss the Aqua Ohio utility price hike and the negative effects it will have on Norlick Place residents.
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The Williams County Commissioners held their regular session on November 20, 2025, to discuss annual agreement renewals and Aqua Ohio utility price hikes with concerned citizens. Commissioner Vice President Scott Lirot and Bart Westfall were in attendance for the meeting.
The board opted to pass a formal resolution in opposition to the proposed 45.7% increase. Residents of Norlick Place, Bryan, and Lake Seneca could see an increase of $25.80 to their monthly bill.
“As frequent increases in water and sewer rates negatively impact our efforts to attract new business and jobs, act to depress the housing market and place an undue burden on all residents, including the elderly, and those living on fixed incomes,” states Resolution 25-0517.
At 9:30 a.m., several community members from Norlick Place joined the meeting to express their opposition to the Aqua Ohio increase. Paul Gacker and Kevin Herman addressed the Commissioners first. “It’s totally outrageous – and there isn’t much for them to back it,” stated Herman.
Gacker presented recent price hikes the utility company has already implemented, alongside a data review of neighboring municipal utility service prices.
Gacker goes on to compare base and water rate usages. “Bryan is $3.90 for 100 cubic feet of water (usage) per month. Montpelier is $4.30, Edgerton is $2.69, and our current rate is $7.35.”
He explained that the figure represents their rate as it is, and with the proposed raise, it would shoot to $10.71 per 100 cubic feet. This reflects an 80% increase compared to the City of Bryan’s rates.
“We have not asked for any system improvements to the process,” continued Gacker. “I just think it’s a mismanagement situation.” At the moment, they know of no plans to upgrade either system in Norlick Place or Lake Seneca.
A formal letter was additionally sent to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) stating that the commissioners stand in opposition to the increase and wish that PUCO deny the request from Aqua Ohio.
They also requested a public hearing to be scheduled within a reasonable distance of Williams County, or if not possible, a virtual hearing.
With a presumed hearing scheduled in Marion, Ohio, that would require residents to drive nearly 300 miles for a round-trip. As the process continues, the commissioners will pursue more information.
The minutes from the November 18, 2025, session were approved alongside the agenda.
A wide slate of new business items were addressed. Commissioners approved appropriations for Clerk of Courts Legal, Coroner, Department of Aging, IT Department, Engineer’s Office, Job and Family Services, Maintenance Department, and Williams County Soil & Water Conservation Department.
Multiple contract renewals followed next for county departments. An entry into a software support agreement with ParTec Systems LLC on behalf of the sheriff’s department was approved.
This is for the purpose of Civil Trak software implementation at a cost not to exceed $955, with a term limit from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026.
The auditor’s office was approved for an agreement with the County Coroner for financial services, such as accounts receivable and payable.
Two separate service agreements for Williams County EMS were passed with no contest. Both focus on clinical education experiences for students enrolled in their EMT and Advanced EMT (AEMT) programs at no cost, provided by Napoleon Fire and Rescue and Defiance Fire and Rescue. The term limit is from December 1, 2025, to December 1, 2028.
Hillside Country Living also submitted an agreement with Engage Consulting, LLC for a 12-month consultation for reimbursement and oversight of state and federal financial submission. At a cost not to exceed $1,350 per month, it aims to help clear up COVID-19 shutdown-related issues.
An executive session was held at 10:00 a.m. with the Director of Bryan Utilities, Derek Schultz, to discuss confidential business information of an applicant for economic development assistance.