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1. Did City Council adopt new sewer fees?

Yes. In December 2019, Shaker Heights City Council approved legislation authorizing new local sewer fees to be phased in over four years starting in 2020.

1. A new fixed monthly local sewer fee that applies equally to each water account, which will be phased in over four years.
2. An increase in the local usage rate (per thousand cubic feet of water used or MCF), which will vary depending on water usage and will be phased in over four years.

 

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2. What is the new fixed fee schedule?

The new fixed fee will appear starting with the water bill you receive in June for usage in May 2020. This fee will be phased in over four years through 2023. The monthly fixed fee will increase by $2.50 each year.

• June 2020 – May 2021: $2.50 per month / $30 per year
• June 2021 – May 2022: $5.00 per month / $60 per year
• June 2022 – May 2023: $7.50 per month / $90 per year
• June 2023 – until changed: $10.00 per month / $120 per year

3. Have we ever had a fixed fee? Are there other cities that have fixed fees?

No. This is the first time Shaker Heights will have a fixed sewer fee. Other communities such as University Heights, Twinsburg, Bay Village and South Euclid utilize fixed fees. (View a chart comparing fixed fees of other communities).

4. What is the schedule for the increase in local MCF rate?

The current local usage rate (per thousand cubic feet of water used or MCF) is $10.50/MCF. Starting with the water bill you receive in June for usage in May 2020, the local usage (MCF) rate will increase by 50 cents each year through 2023.

• June 2020 – May 2021: $11.00/MCF
• June 2021 – May 2022: $11.50/MCF
• June 2022 – May 2023: $12.00/MCF
• June 2023 - until changed : $12.50/MCF

5. When was the last MCF rate increase?

In Shaker Heights, the last local MCF rate increase was in 2001, when the fee was raised to $10.50 per MCF where it remained until June 2020.

6. What is an MCF?

It is the unit of measurement (1000 cubic feet of water) for water usage. Your local MCF fee is calculated based on the local MCF rate and the number of MCFs used in your household.

7. Is the fee based on the local MCF rate a variable charge?

Yes, it is variable. The number of MCFs consumed in each household will vary from month to month depending on water consumption. The less water you use, the less you pay.

8. Does this fee apply to all property owners?

Yes. These fees apply to each water  account for all properties in the City, both residential and commercial.

9. How much money will the fixed fee and the rate increase/MCF generate?

After 4 years when fully implemented, the fixed fee will generate approximately $1 million per year and the variable local MCF fee will generate approximately an additional $200,000 per year (subject to change due to usage).

10. Why are new fees needed?

Our sewers were built to last 50 years but are now approaching 100 years old. The sewer infrastructure needs an aggressive maintenance and rehabilitation plan that requires more funding than is currently available in the City’s budget and through the current local MCF fee.

11. What will the fees be used for?

The fees will generate a funding stream for long term planning and continued aggressive maintenance of existing sewers and capital costs related to infrastructure such as new laterals and connections from the sewer main to private property, sewer linings and replacements. This will ensure that the sewer system remains viable for at least another 50 years.

12. How have the sewers been funded until now?

The City’s sewer maintenance, repairs and replacement costs have been funded through (1) a Sewer Fund which is funded by fees generated solely from the current local MCF rate (which has not changed since 2001), and (2) an additional approximately $2.7M subsidy from the City’s general operating funds. However, the Sewer Fund has not been able to adequately cover rising operating and capital costs.

13. What is the benefit of using fees instead of the operating funds for sewer maintenance and repair?

The fees will allow budget funds currently being used for sewer projects to be used instead for much-needed capital projects and other initiatives that will enable the City to achieve goals set forth by Council and the community.

In addition, prior to the new fees going into effect, the amount allocated for sewer repair and maintenance has been tied to the annual budget process so funds gets appropriated yearly and can change depending on other budget demands. This has made it difficult to plan ahead and leverage outside dollars for sewer projects. The new fees will result in a stable funding stream thus enabling the City to fully leverage grants and other funding sources.

14. How much has the City spent on sewer maintenance and repairs since the major flood that occurred in July 2014?

The City has spent $10.54 million in capital improvements since the 2014 storm when we implemented a Sewer Maintenance and Rehabilitation Program following this 50-year flood. These expenditures have been funded by the current local MCF fee and subsidies from the City’s general operating fund. An additional $5.5 million has been spent on maintenance.

15. How do Shaker’s sewer fees and rates compare to other communities?

Shaker’s sewer rates are among the lowest in Cuyahoga County.

16. What programs are available for help paying sewer and water bills?

Both Cleveland Water and the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District offer assistance programs for eligible customers.

• NEORSD’s programs include a Homestead Program for eligible seniors; an Affordability Program; and a Crisis Assistance Program. Learn more and apply.
• Cleveland Water’s programs include the Homestead Discount Program for eligible seniors and the Water Affordability Program. The Homestead Discount Program offers a lower fixed charge and consumption rate. To qualify for the Homestead Discount Program, customers must meet the following criteria:
  • Must be 65 years or older, or totally and permanently disabled;
  • Must own and live at the property; and
  • Must have income less than $34,500.

To determine your discount consumption charges per MCF under this program, review the chart in the link below. Note: Shaker is the 2^nd and 3^rd high rate areas (determined by your address; Shaker is divided roughly at Warrensville Center Road---2^nd high to the west and 3^rd high to the east). Learn more and apply.