T-L Photo/ROBERT A. DEFRANK Trina Woodland, rural development specialist from the Rural Communities Assistance Program, on Monday advises Shadyside Village Council that increasing water and sewer rates will be necessary for the community to secure loans for infrastructure repairs.

SHADYSIDE — Water and sewer rates likely will rise in Shadyside to facilitate fundraising for infrastructure repairs.

On Monday, the village council heard from Trina Woodland, rural development specialist from the Rural Communities Assistance Program, who had been called in to consult. She noted the village water system and equipment are in need of upgrades and advised council members it would be necessary to raise water and sewer rates in order to secure funding from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.

Woodland said to be considered for funding, sewer rates for a community should be at 1.5 percent of the median household income, and water rates should be at 1.1 percent. Shadyside’s median household income is $52,264.

Currently, the sewer rate is $19.69 for 2,000 gallons, while 2,000 gallons of water costs $14.23 plus a $2 surcharge.

She recommended an increase to $31.36 per month for sewer services and $23 per month for water, with a $2 surcharge, raising the combined minimum monthly bill to $56.36.

“Which I know seems like a lot. A few dollars is a lot, especially if you have elderly people or people living on a fixed income, but that’s what EPA is going to look at,” she said, adding that the OEPA would be concerned that the rates would be too low to repay any loans.

“Your rates are extremely low,” Woodland said. “I know nobody welcomes a rate increase on anything. … But at the end of the day, you have to understand that money comes from somewhere, and 100 percent of the revenues you can use to do repairs or renewals to your system comes from your consumer base.”

Councilman Nick Ferrelli said an increase in rates seemed likely. He said in the past there was little “rhyme or reason” to village rate hikes.

After the meeting. Mayor Bob Newhart said options are limited.

“If we need to raise rates to get loans, we’re going to have to. Our infrastructure is aging,” he said. “We’re definitely going to look at it.”

He did not speculate on a time-frame. He said the council will consider the matter carefully.

“We don’t want to burden our senior citizens.”

Council will provide Woodland with the village’s asset management plan, formed in 2021.

Council also heard from Kevin Roseberry principal at Leona Middle School on Jefferson Avenue. He asked that parking be disallowed during a period of time between 7-8 a.m.

“People park in that area. They don’t really mean to, they don’t really think about it, but they do and it creates I think a safety issue along Leona,” he said, adding parents sometimes drop their children off in the middle of the road. “It happens on a semi-regular basis.”

Village attorney Thomas Ryncarz said Legislation would need to be drawn up.

Ryncarz, Roseberry and Police Chief Don Collette will discuss the placing of the sign and the extent of area it should cover.

“You also have to consider the practical aspect, the enforcement of it, when you’re passing these ordinances,” Ryncarz said.

Newhart said the village would take action when the legislation is complete.

“Childrens’ safety is paramount,” he said.

Clay Mattern of 39th Street again asked the village council on Monday for assistance from the village insurance after his home suffered a serious sewer backup following the heavy rainfalls of July 21. He believes the village is at fault for apparently being negligent of its sewer lines.

Ryncarz reiterated that the village insurance claims examiner has found Shadyside has no responsibility and advised him or his legal counsel to speak to the claims examiner.

“This is not to stonewall you, but this is basically how the situation works,” Ryncarz said.

He added the Ohio Revised Code gives a political subdivision sovereign immunity for negligence.

“Council appreciates your frustration, your situation, but unfortunately we legally cannot do anything at this juncture because it’s been turned over to our insurance company and the adjuster has indicated there’s no liability, no negligence on the part of the village.”

Also, Councilwoman Melanie Haswell said the Shadyside Fall Festival that had been set for Oct. 14 has been canceled until next year. She said the festival will fall on the same day as Martins Ferry’s festival.

“We’re having trouble getting food trucks and vendors to come,” she said. “We are going to have one next fall.”

She said the alumni game is still set for Oct. 13.