Bowerston advances phased water surcharge plan

Bowerston Village Council heard the second reading of Ordinance 2026-12 during its June 16 meeting.

The ordinance was introduced in May after council dropped legislation that would have increased the village water utility surcharge by $20 per month. Following the receipt of $140,000 in royalty revenue, officials restructured the plan to increase the surcharge by $5 annually over the next four years.

Council plans a third reading and vote at its July meeting. If approved, the increase would take effect with the next utility billing cycle.

Project Funding Administrator Paula Beamer reported receiving notice from the Ohio Mid-Eastern Governments Association that the village’s Water Treatment Plant Relocation Project was included on the priority list for recommended grants through the Appalachian Regional Commission and the Governor’s Office of Appalachia.

According to Beamer, the project is being considered for a $250,000 grant, moving it from the pre-application stage to a full application.

Beamer also discussed the Gordon Street culvert replacement project. She said approval of a contract with the Spicer Group for design work was needed to move the project forward. Solicitor Luke Brand said he reviewed the contract and found it acceptable. Council unanimously approved the agreement.

During his report, Village Administrator Bart Busby said village crews recently addressed a sinkhole on Erie Street. Busby said the hole extended 11 feet below ground and required an outside contractor to assist with repairs to a collapsed line.

Utility operator Jeremiah Warner said the issue required immediate attention.

Busby said he believes the affected area is located on railroad right of way. He and Beamer met with railroad representatives the following day to discuss possible assistance with repair costs. No decision had been made as of the meeting.

Beamer also reported discussions with a property owner outside the village limits who is interested in connecting to the village sanitary sewer system. She and Warner are calculating potential hookup costs. Beamer said the property owner may be interested in annexation once costs are determined. Brand will review annexation requirements before the July meeting.

In other business, council learned the electricity agreement with AEP approved in May has been completed.

Council also was advised the Harrison County commissioners are tentatively planning a July 9 meeting regarding data centers.

Council approved Resolution 16-2026 to update a certificate from the county auditor related to a USDA loan commitment and approved Resolution 17-2026 to transfer funds to cover withholding taxes in the general fund and additional operating expenses in the sewer fund.

Council declined additional mosquito spraying at this time and approved spending $3,500 for new utility billing software.

A finance committee meeting was scheduled for 5:45 p.m. July 20 to review the 2027 revenue budget.

The next regular meeting of council will be held at 6 p.m. July 20 at village hall.