Sharon Coolidge

scoolidge@enquirer.com

Cincinnati City Council is set to approve a 3.75 percent water rate increase each of the next five years to pay for infrastructure upgrades -- significantly less than the 7 percent a year increase once projected.

"We know projected rates increases are not sustainable," Water Works Director Cathy Bailey told Council's Budget and Finance Committee Monday.

City leaders said the pressure on the system is two-fold: the aging system needs major updates, but people are using less water than they once did, so revenues are down.

The plan passed out of committee 6 to 2, with Republican Council members Charlie Winburn and Amy Murray against the idea. Councilman Chris Seelbach had to leave the three-hour meeting early, but expressed support for the plan.

A final vote is expected Wednesday's Council meeting.

Council member Yvette Simpson noted it would be unrealistic to expect no rate increases.

A memo outlining the plan has been sent to council members. The average single family residential household in Cincinnati pays roughly $322.08 a year, according to water works.

The department is working to give customers a monthly billing option, which should be ready by next year, Bailey said.

"It is clear that unless immediate steps are taken the ability to repair essential Greater Cincinnati Water Works infrastructure will remain challenging, the risk of critical asset failure will increase and the burden of ratepayers will continue at unacceptably high levels," Black wrote in the memo.

Water rates last increased 5 percent on Jan. 1.

The city aims to replace 1 percent of the system each year. The rate increase would allow the department to replace all remaining lead service lines. Residents will be required to pay the private side portion of the removal, but it can be done through a long term property assessment.

"The removal of lead lines is critical," said Councilman Christopher Smitherman.