Water, Sewer Rates Rising 6% in Middlefield Village

September 16, 2022 by Ann Wishart

Residents and businesses may see a 6% increase in their utility rates come January if Middlefield Village Council approves three ordinance amendments before then.

Council heard the first reading increasing the rate of water and sewer service and a 6% service charge increase for fire sprinkler system accounts at the Sept. 8 meeting.

Mayor Ben Garlich said the cost of labor, chemicals, equipment and maintenance is necessary.

“Everything about the facilities has gone up immensely,” he told council.

Another bump in rates for residential, commercial and industrial accounts may be necessary next year, Garlich said, adding 6% a year is preferable to waiting a few years and hitting everyone with a 40% increase.

“(Six percent) should be palatable to most people,” he said.

Council voted unanimously to approve recommendations from the village planning and zoning commission regarding curb cuts, lot splits and variances for parcels near the intersection of Tare Creek Parkway and Kinsman Road.

The changes will provide access and potential development for properties in the village and in Middlefield Township.

Garlich, who sits on the commission, said Hartville Hardware and Lumber LLC, located on the east side of the village, asked for a service driveway from Tare Creek to parcels  currently in the township where they may build a facility.

In other business, webmaster Kim Breyley reported there have been fewer than expected views of the live video stream of the intersection of Kinsman Road and North State Street since the camera was activated.

The live video stream can be accessed by going to a link at the top of the village website home page, she said.

The camera points west across the intersection and shows vehicles, buggies and foot traffic, as well as weather conditions and sunsets.

Garlich said he watches it and is amazed by what he sees.

“Everyone slides through the stop signs,” he said.