IMPROVEMENTS SOUGHT — City officials displayed a map outlining water line replacements they hope to pursue, pending available funding, before accepting comments and questions about pending water rate increases at Tuesday’s Wellsburg Council meeting. -- Warren Scott

WELLSBURG — Wellsburg Council received many questions and comments from residents before approving the second readings for increases to the city’s water and sewer rates on Tuesday.

In 30 days, the minimum monthly water rate for Wellsburg’s city water customers will rise from $54.85 to $68.55.

The change reflects a proposed new rate tier of $10.85 for the first 1,000 gallons of usage, $10.06 per 1,000 gallons after the next 18,000 gallons and $6.35 per 1,000 gallons for usage above 20,000 gallons.

Beginning in 45 days, the city’s minimum monthly sewer charge will be raised in three steps: From $21.40 to $27.50 first, then to $30.80 after six months following that, and to $36.38 after six months from that time.

Response to the water rate increase included a letter from Russ and Sheila Shaffer, who complained of yellow or orange water discoloring their clothes and toilet; having to replace their faucets frequently and resorting to bottled water for drinking.

Others at the meeting said they have invested in water filtration systems in their homes for many years and asked how soon the quality of the city’s water can be improved.

City Manager Steve Maguschak told attendees, “The water coming out of the (water treatment) plant is tested every day and it’s pristine. It’s the lines.”

Maguschak said the city’s water lines are 80 to 100 years old. He said working with Thrasher Engineering, he’s developed a plan to replace them with wider lines needed to improve water pressure and reduce the buildup of materials that cause discoloration.

Maguschak said the first priority would be replacing a four-inch main line under Charles Street from 12th Street to 30th Street with an eight-inch line, a project that also would involve replacing curb boxes and hydrants along the street.

He said another priority is raising four underground well heads serving the water treatment system so they aren’t inundated with water from the Ohio River when it floods.

Maguschak said he’s sought state and federal funds for such improvements but was told the city is ineligible because its water and sewer rates are too low for its median yearly household income, which according to the 2020 Census, is $43,000.

He noted the city was awarded $1 million by the Federal Emergency Management Agency for engineering required for the replacement of sewer lines but didn’t receive approval for another $14 million needed for the construction.

The city manager said he hopes the rate increases will help the city to secure funds in the future.

“I will keep trying to approach the federal government to fund projects,” he said.

In recent years, the city has replaced sections of main water lines along Main, Charles and Commerce streets from Seventh to 12th streets and made electrical and other improvements to the water plant using $5.9 million generated by the sale of bonds and increases to the city’s water rates approved in 2020.

It’s also invested thousands in the separation of combined sanitary and stormwater lines at Sixth, Seventh and Eighth streets.

Wellsburg is among communities ordered by the federal Environmental Protection Agency to separate the lines to prevent the risk of raw sewage entering the Ohio River and other waterways when mechanisms in the lines become overtaxed by large volumes of rain.

Maguschak noted still more sewer separations lie ahead for the city.

Resident Jeff Hawkin said more communication is needed between city officials and residents regarding such matters.

He added he’d received misinformation about the size of the rate increases through social media.

He and other citizens were encouraged to attend the city’s water-sewer board meetings, held at 5 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month at City Hall.

Maguschak said those who are unable to be there in person may be given log-in information to view it remotely or call him at (304) 737-2104 with any questions.

Mayor Dan Dudley thanked all of the residents for taking the time to express their questions and comments in person.

In other business:

• Howard Armstrong, a local resident and business owner, asked whether revenue generated by the city’s yearly municipal service fee, paid by all residents, has been used for street paving.

City Solicitor Ryan Weld said a city ordinance establishing the fee states it may be used “for essential municipal purposes,” including street repairs and paving, capital improvements and equipment used by the city.

Maguschak said the city’s last street paving projects were tied to restoration following water and sewer line replacements largely supported by federal pandemic relief funds awarded to Wellsburg.

Armstrong said he’d like to see at least a portion of money collected from the fee applied to paving.

“There are streets that really need desperate attention,” he said.

First Ward Councilman Jack Kins noted he’s been pushing for the yearly fee to be raised from $12 to $15.

He said a $3 increase shouldn’t be a burden to anyone and would generate much needed revenue.

Fourth Ward Councilman Charlie Harris said he’s pushed for drainage issues and potholes along Charles Street between 22nd and 27th streets to be addressed when the city seeks bids for paving in the spring.

• Following a lengthy discussion regarding replacing full-time vacancies in the city’s police department with part-time officers, council referred the matter to its finance committee.

The committee is slated to meet at 11 a.m. Tuesday to discuss the matter.

• Council agreed to abandon a portion of Locust Street and a part of an alley in Lucy Tarr’s Addition at the request of a resident there.

Council’s next regular meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 14.