Plain City residents could be receiving their trash bills on a new schedule beginning in the new year.
Council members heard the first reading of an ordinance Monday that would alter garbage collection rates and billing starting in 2024.
During council’s work session Nov. 1, Village Administrator Haley Lupton suggested council consider changing the trash billing schedule from a monthly to quarterly collection.
She said the changes spur from the village’s regionalization of water and sewer services with Madison County.
With the creation of the Mid-Ohio Regional Water and Sewer District, Lupton explained that the village will no longer bill residents for water and sewer services.
Continuing to bill garbage services, which will still be managed by the village, on a monthly basis would create a “substantial” amount of administrative work, Lupton said.
She added that the village would save “several thousand dollars a year” by switching to quarterly billing.
Lupton also noted that the village currently outsources the printing of bills but would consider bringing them back in house if the schedule changes.
While the bills will be issued quarterly, Lupton said the village would accept monthly payments if a resident prefers to continue paying on that schedule.
Council member Frank Reed said he was in favor of the change, which he characterized as “pretty non-controversial.”
Council member John Rucker said village staff and officials need to be “vigilant” about publicizing the billing changes.
“There’s going to be confusing so the more communication we can get out, the better,” he said.
If approved, the first bill of 2024 will be sent in March for January, February and March usage.
Council will hear a second reading and vote on the ordinance at its next meeting, Nov. 27.
Although the garbage collection billing cycle may change, village officials noted that water and sewer – which will be billed through the Mid-Ohio Water and Sewer District – will continue to be billed monthly.
Officials said they anticipate the transition of water and sewer services to be “seamless for most customers.”
Customers will receive information in December regarding their new water and sewer account number. They will not be required to set up a new account. Residents will also receive information about new ways to pay utility bills and submit work orders.
As of now, there will be no changes to the water and sewer rates.
Those with general questions for the Mid-Ohio Water and Sewer District may call (740) 845-1707.
In other business:
– Council voted unanimously to award the contract for Phase 3 of the Uptown Streetscape Project to J&J Schlaegel, Inc in the amount of $268,855.
The project includes completing sidewalk reconstruction, installation of new lighting, landscaping and striping in the southeast area of the Main Street and Chillicothe Street intersection, around the Clock Tower building.
– Council authorized Lupton to apply for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Land and Water Conservation Fund Program.
According to a memo from Lupton, the program provides up to 50% reimbursement assistance for the acquisition, development or rehabilitation of recreational areas.
Staff members believe it is a strong funding opportunity for the Jackson Street Dog Park project.