replacements. The proposed rate increase would move Oakwood from 3rd lowest of 68 jurisdictions to the 17th lowest (based on 2023 rates). The chart below shows the proposed monthly water bill increase for three water usage scenarios… 300, 600 and 900 cubic feet, comparing 2023 and proposed 2024 rates:
| 2023 Rate | Proposed 2024 Rate | Monthly Increase |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service Fee |
Usage Charge |
Total | Service Fee |
Usage Charge |
Total | ||
| 300 cf | 10.00 | 5.28 | 15.28 | 15.00 | 7.92 | 22.92 | 7.64 |
| 600 cf | 10.00 | 10.56 | 20.56 | 15.00 | 15.84 | 30.84 | 10.28 |
| 900 cf | 10.00 | 15.84 | 25.84 | 15.00 | 23.76 | 38.76 | 12.92 |
Mr. Klopsch presented a line graph showing decennial census data from 1910 to 2020 and mentioned that much of Oakwood’s underground utility infrastructure was installed between 1920 and 1960. Mr. Klopsch showed a line graph depicting the number of water main pipe breaks annually from 2012 to present. The numbers fluctuate from year to year, but there is currently no upward trend. The cost to replace underground water main pipes is very high, currently estimated at $275 per foot of pipe. As an example, replacing just a single water line on Peach Orchard Avenue between Shroyer Road and Far Hills Avenue is estimated at $710,000. A challenge is to determine the timing to replace aging water main pipes.
- SANITARY SEWER RATES: The sanitary sewer rate was last increased in 2018. There are upcoming costs related to infrastructure improvements and capital equipment including sanitary sewer pipe replacement and lining, manhole rehabilitation and root treatment. Montgomery County and the city of Dayton handle the City’s wastewater treatment. The wastewater treatment represents about two-thirds of the sanitary sewer operating budget. Montgomery County and Dayton are increasing their fees. Dayton’s fees will increase by 7.5% in 2024 and 5.5% in 2025. Montgomery County’s fees will increase by 19% in 2024, after increasing by 60% this year. The proposed rate increase would move Oakwood from the 36th lowest of 65 jurisdictions to the 54th lowest (based on 2023 rates). Below is a rate comparison of 2023 and proposed 2024 rates:
| 2023 Rate | Proposed 2024 Rate | Monthly Increase |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service Fee |
Usage Charge |
Total | Service Fee |
Usage Charge |
Total | ||
| 300 cf | 21.20 | 10.58 | 31.78 | 26.50 | 13.23 | 39.73 | 7.95 |
| 600 cf | 21.20 | 21.16 | 42.36 | 26.50 | 26.45 | 52.95 | 10.59 |
| 900 cf | 21.20 | 31.74 | 52.94 | 26.50 | 39.68 | 66.18 | 13.24 |
- REFUSE RATES: Refuse rates were last increased in 2019 and no increase is proposed for 2024.
There being no other business, at 6:52 p.m. Mayor Duncan and Mr. Klopsch thanked the committee members for their service and the meeting was adjourned.
