29-01-2025
Geneva tables water rates legislation
Jan. 29—GENEVA — City council decided to table two ordinances dealing with the water and sewer rate increases at a council meeting Monday evening.
Councilman Bill Baker moved to table the measures to allow further discussion on the matter. Councilman John Travis, chair of the finance committee, agreed, and asked for further discussion during a committee meeting, which will take place in early February.
Some of the discussion included what portion of administrative salaries should be covered by sewer and water fees. Council voted 6-0 to table both measures, which would include rate increases to help the system maintain necessary improvements.
Discussions have been on-going during work sessions and regular council meetings.
Council had the second reading of an ordinance creating a capital projects fund, and an ordinance needed to collect more than $20,000 from an opiate settlement fund.
Geneva City Manager Joseph Varckette discussed the city's attempts to find funding for the $4.5 million second phase of the reconstruction of West Main Street. He said the city is seeking to tap the Ohio Small City grant program, which assisted on first phase of the operation.
Varckette updated council on the Appalachian Community Grant Program, expected to bring more than $2 million in improvements to the downtown area.
The design phase of a streetscape project is underway, and a public meeting is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Feb. 24 will reveal that work, he said.
He said 23 downtown facade grant applicants are scheduled to attend a kick-off meeting Feb. 17, to review the requirements.
The city is close to moving on to the third phase of a stormwater master plan, which includes detailing specific solutions to problems in the city, Varckette said.
He said the city and surrounding townships are on course to complete the first draft of a tree management program by April.
Varckette announced a remote tax collection event scheduled for 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 7 in council chambers. Ashtabula County Treasurer Angie Maki-Cliff and a member of her staff are scheduled to be on-site.
"We understand that many taxpayers prefer to pay in person, but transportation or parking can be a challenge. By offering this service, we hope to make the process easer and more convenient for everyone," Maki-Cliff said. She said cash will not be taken because of security concerns but checks, money orders, and credit or debit cards will be accepted.
