2026 Schedule of Charges

Effective Date: January 1, 2026

Note: This schedule replaces all previous versions. All deliberations and official actions related to these rates occurred in meetings open to the public in compliance with ORC 121.22.

I. Monthly Sewer User Charges

These charges apply to all customers connected to the County sewer system. Fixed charges cover the cost of maintaining system capacity and ensuring "readiness-to-serve," while volume charges are based on actual usage.

A. Fixed Monthly Sewer Charges

 

B. Sewer Volume (Usage) Charges

II. Monthly Water User Charges

These charges apply to all customers receiving water service from the District.

A. Fixed Monthly Water Base Charges

 

B. Water Volume (Usage) Charges

III. Temporary Hydrant Rental & Usage

These charges apply to temporary water access from District hydrants for construction or other approved purposes.

IV. Connection & Infrastructure Fees

Understanding Equivalent Dwelling Units (EDUs) An EDU is a standard unit of measure used to express the load a property places on the sewer system relative to a single-family home.

• Metered Customers: For properties with District water service, the number of EDUs is determined by a "Meter Factor" based on the size of the water meter. Larger meters have higher capacity and represent more potential load on the system.
• Flat Rate Customers: For properties without District water, the District assigns EDUs based on property type (e.g., a single-family home typically equals 1.0 EDU). Commercial or multi-unit flat rate customers are evaluated based on estimated flow rates or fixture counts to ensure they pay a proportional share of system costs.

What do these fees cover?

• Connection Fee: This is a one-time "buy-in" fee. It ensures that new users pay their fair share of the existing treatment plants and main lines that were built and paid for by previous generations. For water, this also includes your physical meter. For sewer, the District maintains the capacity to handle your waste 24/7, even though the homeowner is responsible for the physical pipe (tap) to the street.
• Infrastructure Charge: This only applies if we have to extend a main line or drill under a road to reach your property. It covers the actual cost of that extra construction work.

V. Other Service Charges & Administrative Fees

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why am I being billed for sewer if the house is empty?

A: Under Ohio law (ORC 6117.02), sewer charges are based on the "availability" of the system. You pay so that the service is ready when you need it. The District must maintain the treatment plant, pump stations, staff, and miles of underground pipe regardless of whether a specific house is using water that day. As long as your pipes are physically connected to the County system, the property is part of the system’s "readiness-to-serve" plan.

Q: Why is there a sewer connection fee if I’m paying a contractor to do the work?

A: Your contractor is only building the "driveway" (your private pipe). The connection fee pays for your spot on the "highway" (the County’s multi-million dollar treatment plants, pump stations, and main lines). Without this fee, existing residents would be unfairly subsidizing the infrastructure costs for new homes.

Q: What is the "Infrastructure Charge"?

A: Most homes connect to a pipe right in front of their house. If your property requires the District to extend a main line down the street or bore under a highway to get service to you, that extra construction cost is charged to you specifically, rather than being split among all other customers.