Trumbull County officials seek input on waterline

BAZETTA -- Trumbull County officials are seeking public input from residents on whether they want to see a $3.038 million waterline improvement project go forward along a section of Elm Road.

County commissioners had a public hearing Thursday in Bazetta Township with more than 60 people attending to ask question about the project -- and what costs would be involved.

Sanitary Engineer Gary Newbrough said officials began designing the project after a petition in favor was received in 2012 from more than 82 percent of the area's residents who would be affected.

The petition was given to the commissioners from residents seeking safe and reliable public drinking water.

Newbrough said the project was delayed due to funding concerns.

The project consists of construction of water distribution lines to benefit properties along Elm Road from Beaver Trail to the Cortland city limit and along Warren Meadville Road from Durst Colebrook Road to the Bazetta fire station.

Newbrough said the project involves 10,200 linear feet of 10-inch water main pipe, 22 fire hydrants and 61 service connections to properties. Water would be provided by Warren city.

Most of the properties in the area do not have access to public water service.

Assistant Sanitary Engineer Scott Verner said to help with project costs, the county was awarded a $750,000 Ohio Public Works Commission grant in 2018.

The engineering firm Environmental Design Group was hired in 2018 to design the project and that work was completed in 2020.

Recently the county commissioners approved $1.3 million in American Rescue Plan funds for the project.

Commissioner Niki Frenchko said ARP funds are permitted to be used for infrastructure projects such as this.

Newbrough there also would be a $966,575 loan from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency water supply revolving loan account.

"When you look at the project, we are about two-thirds grant funded and one-third loan," he said.

"The residents signed a petition asking for water. We have obtained grant money to help the residents be able to have water at a cheaper rate at this time. We want to make this as affordable as we can for the residents," Commissioner Dennis Malloy said.

Newbrough said comments will be sought through Aug. 11 at the sanitary engineers' office from residents endorsing and opposing the project.

Officials said if there is enough support, the project will go out for bid and construction could begin in April 2024 and be completed by October 2024.

Verner said more than 50 percent of the property owners in the area would need to be in favor of the project for it to move forward.

Newbrough said it will not matter what side of the road the waterline is located because it will service properties on both sides.

Officials said each of the 61 service connections would cost $1,500.

Newbrough said for financing the assessments: Properties with 100 feet of frontage and service connection, the real estate taxes will go up $449 per year; 200 feet of frontage and a service connection, the real estate taxes go up $795 per year; and for 300 feet of frontage and a service connection, taxes go up $1,141 per year.

He said an average single-family dwelling using 4,500 gallons per month would see a monthly water bill of $44.89. There also is a minimum water bill of 3,000 gallons per month equating to $30.59.

Resident Todd Baker asked if residents are required to tap into the waterline if they are not interested. Some residents indicated they want to keep their wells.

Newbrough said with a waterline, property owners are not required to connect -- but on sewer lines they do have to connect. He said the cost of the project will be assessed to the properties even if they do not connect to the service line.

Resident Wayne Keller said the petition was signed in 2012 and some residents are new to the area.

"Does that petition expire? Some people have not lived here for 11 years and did not sign a petition," he said.

Newbrough said the petition does not expire.

Resident Betsy Hull said she lives at the "tail end" of the waterline area and wondered if the water pressure to her property would be as good as others along the line.

Newbrough said the water pressure would be good there as well.