Akron City Council moved forward with plans for the city’s first sewer rate increase in a decade during the public service committee meeting. The proposed increase would raise rates by 5.3% annually from 2026 through 2029.
The typical residential customer using four units of water monthly would see bills increase from $46.39 to $53.63 by 2026, plus a new $5 fixed recovery fee. The city also introduced a potential $15 monthly fee for enhanced high-rate treatment if federally mandated, though officials expressed confidence this facility won’t be needed.
Environmental Services Manager Emily Collins said the increases are necessary to fund the final phases of the $1.2 billion consent decree modernization project, including the $283 million North Side Interceptor Tunnel. The city has completed 24 of 26 major consent decree projects.
“Our revenue will be $10 million lower than our expenses starting in 2027,” Service Director Chris Ludle explained to committee members. The city hasn’t raised sewer rates since 2015.
The proposal includes expanded discount programs for low-income residents, with HEAP-eligible renters seeing their bills decrease from $46.39 to $32.18 monthly. Tenants would be eligible for sewer discounts for the first time in city history.
Several council members expressed strong concerns about removing future rate-setting authority from council after 2029, with the legislation allowing automatic inflation adjustments tied to municipal cost indexes.
Ludle acknowledged the increases will be difficult for residents: “I’m born and raised in Akron. I’m going to go to church Sunday and people I sit next to (will say), ‘What are you doing? You’re raising our sewer rates.'”
Council Advances Police Oversight Technology
New database system will track patterns in use of force incidents
The budget and finance committee approved a $100,000 contract with Varant Americas for a new case management system for the Citizens Police Oversight Board and Independent Police Auditor.
Independent Police Auditor said the software will allow analysis of use of force incidents and complaints dating back to 2022, replacing the current paper-based system. A high school intern spent the summer converting paper documents into Excel spreadsheets in preparation for the database implementation.
“We’ll be able to look at patterns and trends, areas where there may be concern, and areas where there’s been improvement,” the auditor told committee members. The system will enable analysis of whether issues relate to specific officers, units, or training needs.
The system will also allow citizens to file complaints online directly through the city’s website. A separate $40,000 contract with JNP Industries will provide data analysis services, replacing the originally planned part-time employee position.
Fire Department Receives Training Equipment Grant
Federal grant funds high-tech simulation mannequin
The public safety committee unanimously approved the purchase of a high-fidelity simulation mannequin for paramedic training. Fire Chief said a $50,000 federal grant covers most of the cost, with only $2,500 coming from the city budget.
The training device will allow paramedics to practice a wide range of medical interventions and scenarios to improve emergency response capabilities.
PUBLIC COMMENT HIGHLIGHTS
Residents Demand Justice in Teen Death Case
Nine months after investigation funding approved, family seeks results
Multiple speakers addressed the ongoing investigation into the death of 15-year-old Jasmir Tucker, with family and supporters demanding transparency on how the allocated $650,000 has been spent.
One speaker questioned Mayor Shammas Malik and council members about the lack of visible results nine months after the investigation funding was approved in what the speaker called a broken promise to the community.
Activist Autumn Riddle alleged that Flock safety cameras have been used to track activists, citing specific searches of her and her sister’s vehicles by police personnel. She detailed how an intelligence analyst and officer tracked her vehicle movements, raising concerns about surveillance of community organizers.
Housing Crisis Takes Center Stage
Residents call for action on landlord accountability, homelessness
Several speakers highlighted Akron’s housing challenges, with one resident noting record homelessness levels and calling for expanded affordable housing initiatives. The city was criticized for having insufficient affordable housing to meet current demand.
A Ward 3 resident spoke about decades of disinvestment in African American neighborhoods, citing city budgets totaling nearly $800 million annually with minimal investment reaching his community. He noted the 2018 congressional finding of African American exclusion from economic opportunities in Akron.
Another resident addressed deteriorating neighborhood conditions, calling for improved code enforcement and property maintenance requirements to prevent blight from spreading to adjacent properties.
Transit Workers Seek Fair Contracts
Metro bus operators haven’t received raises in two years
A speaker highlighted ongoing contract negotiations for Akron Metro bus operators, who haven’t received raises in two years while facing increased insurance costs up to $400 monthly. The speaker also called for fair contract negotiations for Akron police officers.
The resident advocated for treating essential workers with respect, noting their sacrifices and daily service to the community.
LEGISLATION SUMMARY
Council approved multiple items including:
- Annual Cisco phone system licensing renewal
- Property tax levy certification at 10.5 mills
- Court system implementation contracts with Tyler Technologies
- Emergency sewer repairs on Kerry Avenue after 115-year-old storm sewer collapse
- Water plant server equipment purchases for SCADA systems
- Various energy improvement district amendments for residential housing conversion projects
Committee meetings continue with full council session at 6:30 p.m.
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