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Toledo
City Council Votes To Place Regional Water Commission
Question on November Ballot
Toledo City Council voted 11-0 during a special meeting last
week to approve a request from the Kapszukiewicz
administration to place a question on the November ballot
that, if approved, would amend the city charter to create a
new regional water commission.
“Leadership requires more than words, it requires action,
and that is what the City of Toledo did today,” Mayor Wade
Kapszukiewicz said. “After 40 years of discussion and
debate, we voted to create a regional water system that
protects ratepayers, gives our suburbs decision-making
power, and saves our region hundreds of millions of dollars.
This is only one step in the process, but make no mistake,
it is a historic step.”
The regional water commission would be made up of the
utility directors from each member community. The board
would include one member from each suburban community and
two appointed by Toledo.
The commission, if approved by voters, will recommend water
rates and capital improvement projects at the Collins Park
Water Treatment Plant. Under the commission, Toledo and
Lucas County will pay a retail rate with meter-reading and
maintenance services included. Suburban communities will pay
a uniform wholesale rate. Meter-reading will remain the
responsibility of those communities. The regional water
commission would also ensure protections important to
Toledoans like low income-assistance, a senior discount, and
lead line replacement.
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