Bowerston Council approves 2026 utility rate increases

At the Dec. 16 meeting of Bowerston Village Council, members approved two utility rate ordinances.

Mayor Paula Beamer said council was considering the third and final readings for both measures, which will increase water and sewer rates in January 2026. She said she and Village Administrator Bart Busby researched the need for the increases and kept them as minimal as possible while the village completes major maintenance projects on both systems.

Beamer said the 3% increase will raise the minimum in-town consumer bill from $82.60 to $85.08 — a $2.48 increase. Ordinances 2025-15 and 2025-16 passed unanimously. The new rates take effect Jan. 1, 2026, and will appear on the January billing cycle.

Beamer also reported the Regional Income Tax Agency has sent letters to all Bowerston residents and corporate taxpayers transitioning into the RITA system ahead of the Jan. 1, 2026, changeover. She said she will meet once more with RITA personnel before the end of the year. Council President Chase Bryant said he has set up his online RITA account and finds the website user-friendly. Beamer added her office will assist residents with the transition.

In other action, council:

— Passed Ordinance 19-2025, rescinding Ordinance 14-2025 and setting 2026 pay rates.

— Approved Resolution 35-2025, accepting new monies in new project funds.

— Passed Resolution 36-2025, approving temporary appropriations for 2026.

— Approved Resolutions 37-2025 and 38-2025 for the movement of monies within the General Fund.

— Approved Resolution 39-2025, authorizing the mayor or village administrator to approve change orders and pay applications for the Sanitary Sewer Collection System and Wastewater Treatment Plant Project.

— Passed Resolution 40-2025, authorizing approval of change orders and pay applications for the Water Distribution System and Water Storage Tank Project.

— Approved Resolution 41-2025, accepting new monies in Fund 4905 for the Bridge Street bridge replacement project.

— Passed Resolution 42-2025, authorizing the mayor to sign a notice to proceed for the Sanitary Sewer Project.

— Approved Resolution 43-2025, allowing the mayor to sign a notice to proceed for the Water Improvement Project.

— Heard and approved a report from Village Administrator Bart Busby.

The next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 6 p.m. in the village hall.