City of Lima property tax hike for stormwater utility discussed

LIMA — The City of Lima Public Works department discussed a potential increase to the stormwater utility rate on Wednesday evening.

The Public Works Committee met to discuss stormwater sewer rates, grass clippings and parking with the department. The meeting was led by Fourth Ward Council Member Peggy Ehora, the chairperson, alongside Seventh Ward Council Member Jon Neeper and First Ward Council Member Todd Gordon.

City Engineer Kirk Neimeyer created a proposal for the committee. According to the proposal, the hope for the increase is to continue to maintain compliance with the USEPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) and OEPA (Ohio Environmental Protection Agency) and continue to fund the City’s labor and equipment necessary to maintain the system.

“We have had a stormwater utility since 2011 in the city and we started out at $5.03 per ERU [equivalent runoff unit],” said Neimeyer. “Generally, all the residential properties in the city are charged the same amount: $5.03 per month.”

According to City of Lima stormwater assesment policies, each single family residential property in the city is charged 1 ERU per month within the property’s water bill.

“That was raised initially through the ordinance not to exceed $5.27 per ERU residential property,” added Neimeyer. “That ended in 2017 so we have been operating the stormwater utility at that rate since 2017. In 2022, due to the increased cost of labor, equipment and construction materials. We are looking at increasing the $5.27 to $5.90 over a 5-year period.”

Neimeyer also said the adjustment is needed to keep the overall fund healthy with current obligations.

”It would be a 3% increase each year,” said Stormwater Manager Jim Morrisey. “It would go from $5.27 to $5.45 to $5.60 to $5.75 and then end up at $5.90. It will be an increase over the next five years.”

Following the proposal, the public works committee plans to send the issue to the Lima City Council Members. The City of Lima will officially discuss the proposal at a City Council meeting, allowing the council members to decide.

The committee also discussed concerns regarding neighborhood parking and grass clippings. Council members addressed the issue of narrow roads and more cars parked within neighborhood streets.

“We have several narrow streets throughout the city,” said Neimeyer. “Most residents understand the issue it can create in the winter time, like snow removal. Tonight we discussed how to manage that better.”

Reach Precious Grundy at 567-242-0351.