TITLE
AN ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH UTILITY RATES AND AMEND RELATED PROVISIONS OF PART NINE, TITLE THREE - PUBLIC UTILITIES OF THE GAHANNA CODIFIED ORDINANCES
BODY
WHEREAS, the City of Gahanna, through its Department of Public Service, is required under Chapters 919, 921, 927, 929, 933, and 941 of the Gahanna Codified Ordinances to annually review and recommend updates to utility rates and related provisions of City Code; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Service has completed its 2025 annual review of utility rates and associated code sections following the determination of 2026 rates by the City of Columbus Department of Public Utilities, which provides wholesale water and sanitary sewer services to the City of Gahanna; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus has recommended for 2026 an increase of 8% in sanitary sewer rates and 18% in water rates, and an expansion of the low-income discount program from 25% to 30%; and
WHEREAS, in order to maintain financial stability, cover pass-through costs from Columbus, address local infrastructure and operational needs, and minimize future rate spikes, the City of Gahanna Administration recommends a 6.14% overall rate increase for 2026, equivalent to approximately $7.46 per month for an average residential customer using 4,000 gallons per month; and
WHEREAS, even with the proposed rate adjustments, the City of Gahanna’s rates will remain competitive and within the mid-range of comparable regional communities; and
WHEREAS, the specific rate and code amendments are detailed in EXHIBIT A, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, and include updates to Sections 921.11 Sewer Rental Rates, 927.17 Classification of Property and ERU Assignment and Rate, and 929.12 Water Rates of the Gahanna Codified Ordinances; and
WHEREAS, the Administration recommends that Council adopt the proposed updates to utility rates and related provisions as part of the annual review process.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA, COUNTY OF FRANKLIN, STATE OF OHIO:
Section 1. That the utility rates and related amendments to Gahanna Codified Ordinances Chapters 921, 927, and 929 as shown in EXHIBIT A (Redline Changes to Code) are hereby adopted and incorporated by reference as though fully rewritten herein.
Section 2. That the updated rates shall become effective for all billing periods beginning January 1, 2026, and shall remain in effect until amended or repealed by further action of this Council.
Section 3. That all prior ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent with this Ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent of such inconsistency.
Section 4. That this ordinance shall be in full force and effect after passage by this Council and 30 days after signature of approval by the Mayor.