Bowerston council revises proposed water surcharge increase

At its May meeting, Bowerston Village Council restructured a proposed water surcharge increase that originally called for a $20 monthly increase.

Councilman Frank Masters said the utility committee met after Project Funding Administrator Paula Beamer and Village Administrator Bart Busby requested further discussion on Ordinance 2026-10, which received its first reading in April.

Masters said the village received more than $140,000 in royalty money just days after the April meeting. He said Beamer and Busby worked with Mayor Chase Bryant and Solicitor Luke Brand to develop a revised plan.

Beamer said funding for debt service remains important to financing the water project, but the newly received royalty money reduced the urgency for a large immediate increase.

Under the revised proposal, council would increase the surcharge by $5 per month after the third reading and approval of a new ordinance, then add another $5 increase annually from 2027-29 until the surcharge reaches the needed $20 per month.

Bryant said he was pleased the village could reduce the burden of raising utility bills all at once and hoped the revised plan would help residents prepare for future increases.

Council heard the first reading of Ordinance 2026-12 to implement the new plan.

In other business, council agreed to continue holding regular meetings on the third Monday of each month at 6 p.m. in the village hall. The August meeting will instead be held on the second Monday to accommodate vacation schedules and ensure a quorum.

Council also held two executive sessions, one regarding contracts and another regarding the sale of property. No action followed either session.

Additional actions included:

— Approving Resolution 12-2026 to update the certificate of estimated resources with the Harrison County auditor for royalty money received.

— Passing Resolution 13-2026 to reorganize OPERS withholding payments within the general fund.

— Approving ODOT Resolution 14-2026 for the Bridge Street bridge replacement project.

— Passing Resolution 15-2026 authorizing Beamer and Busby to sign documents related to USDA and OWDA loans and projects.

— Reviewing a professional services agreement with the Spicer Group for the Gordon Street culvert project without taking action.

Council also learned from Busby that Sen. Bernie Moreno included the water plant relocation project in congressionally directed spending totaling $1 million, with funding results expected within six to eight weeks.

Busby reminded residents appointments must be made to replace old water meters. Utility service will be suspended seven days after final notices are posted on doors. He also said the Bridge Street replacement project is expected to begin this fall and be completed in 2027.

Council agreed to use outside meter readings while transitioning from old meters to new ones.

The annual Memorial Day celebration will be held May 25 beginning at noon at Gateway Park.

Council set village cleanup day for June 20 from 8 a.m. to noon, or until the dumpster is full. The event is limited to village residents, and tires and items containing refrigerants will not be accepted.

Council also agreed to participate in area yard sales July 11.

The next meeting of Bowerston Village Council will be June 15 at 6 p.m. in the village hall.