2023 Utility Fee Changes

In March 2023 the Village passed Ordinance 01-23 and Ordinance 02-23 which updated the fee schedules and rules and regulations for the water, sewer, and trash services provided by the Village of Covington. 

The Ordinances adopted rules and regulations for water and sewer service which can be downloaded here, and for trash and recycling service which can be downloaded here.  

As an example of the rates that a user will see under the new Ordinance, please see the breakdown below:

• Water Consumption Charge (3,500 g.) - $14.35 (0% increase)
• Monthly water capital charge (standard meter): $28.58 (0% increase)
• Water tower maintenance charge: $8.74 (0% increase)
• Sewer Consumption Charge (3,500 g.) - $14.51 (10% increase)
• Monthly sewer capital charge (standard meter): $12.78 (10% increase)
• Trash service: $18.03 (3% increase)
• Recycling service: $4.64 (3% increase) 
• Total Cost Per Month: $101.37 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

General Water / Sewer Regulations

• Are my water and sewer regulations changing?
  • Yes, the Village has updated and clarified some of the rules and regulations to receive services from the Village.
• Do I have to fill out an application if I already have service?
  • Yes, all accounts, new or old, will need to have a new service application on file.  These applications can be downloaded from the website here. 
• If I own the property under an LLC or Corporation do I have to provide my name?
  • Yes, ownership of the property will have to be verified by either a copy of the legal documents for the corporation showing you as the owner, or documentation showing you as a representative for the corporation.
• If I don't pay my account on time, what is the timeline for shut off and do I have any options?
  • Bill are generally sent out around the 26th of every month, and are due by the 20th of the following month.  Accounts not paid by the due date will have until the 10th of the following month to make a payment or will be subject to shut off.
  • Customers who do not believe they will be able to make payments for a month, may reach out to the Village and request a Utility Payment Plan Agreement.  The Village Administrator is authorized to enter into an agreement with the owner or tenant to make payments on a fixed schedule and payoff all past due amounts.  Only two agreements may be made per year with a customer. 

Water Service

• Why did my rate go down, when you said it would stay the same?
  • The Village rates went up 3% in January of 2023.  The Ordinance, passed in March 2023 sets the water rates back at the 2022 rates for the next two years.  Your rate went back down to the 2022 rate which is what was frozen for 2023 and 2024.
• What is the increase for me per month if I use 3,500 gallons per month?
  • Your water fees, which include the capital fees will stay at $51.67 per month, which is what you paid in 2022.  That rate will continue through the end of 2024.  In 2025 the rate will increase 3% again.

Sewer Service

• What is the increase for me per month if I use 3,500 gallons per month?  
  • Your sewer fees, which include capital fees, will increase 10% and become $27.30 per month.  They will increase 10% in 2024 to $30.03 and then increase 3% each year thereafter.
• How does this compare to other communities rates?
  • The City of Piqua does a community survey for utility rates each year.  You can find it here.

Trash / Recycling Service

• What is the increase for me per month?  
  • For a standard toter the rental fee in 2023 will be $18.03 per month and recycling will be $4.64 per month for a total of $22.67 per month.
• Are there any changes to my service as part of these regulations?
  • Yes, there are a number of clarifications that are made within the regulations, namely the following:
    • Trash Collection made within Village owned trash toters will be at the set rate.  Any additional toter or can setout has an additional cost.  Any bags not in a trash can or toter also have an associated cost.  To see the fee schedule look at the Ordinance.
    • The Village will no longer collect and chip sticks, limbs, and brush on all days or for free in some situations.  The Village will provide this service at no cost to a resident between April 1 and October 31 on Thursday and Fridays when staffing is available at no cost.  The Village will not collect or chip any material on other days or during other months.  If a resident would like to schedule the Village to come out and chip their material on days or months not listed, they can request the service and it will be charged to their account per the rates set forth in the Ordinance.