WARREN, Ohio - Sewer bills in Warren might be getting higher next month. 

Independent engineers met with city leaders and proposed rates to increase by 25% next year and adding on a $3 maintenance fee to each bill. 

The rates would continue to go up after that in increments until 2035. 

  • +25%, +$3.00 maintenance fee in 2026
  • +25% in 2027
  • +15% in 2028
  • +15% in 2029
  • +10% in 2030
  • +5%, +$4.00 maintenance fee in 2035

“We’re sorry that we have to raise it but we have no choice,” Ron White, the Seventh ward councilman said. 

The funds will go towards improving the wastewater treatment plant and maintaining sewer lines. Phase one of upgrades started in 2017. Since then phase two and three have gotten more costly. 

“That was about 130 million [dollars] when we first took this on. Inflation and tariffs and other costs have driven that up to 170 million…so this is a responsible way to address that,” Mayor Doug Franklin of Warren said. 

The estimated increase is a few dollars. In 2026, bills would go up $1.41 plus the maintenance fee then up again in 2027 to $2.91 and then going back down after that. 

  • $1.41 in 2026
  • $2.91 in 2027
  • $2.18 in 2028
  • $2.51 in 2029
  • $1.92 in 2030
  • $1.29 in 2035

Mayor Franklin said even if the increase is passed they’ll still have the lowest rates in the area. 

“We want to provide quality service at affordable rates. Absolutely, that’s our goal” Mayor Franklin said. 

Council members have yet to vote on the increase. Some are undecided on if they will support it.

“My concern is for the people in my ward and for the people in the city who's already having a hard time right now everything  is going up...to jump 25 percent is just a lot at this time,” Honeya Price, Sixth ward councilwoman in Warren said. 

But with the upgrades being mandated by the EPA other council members feel they have to pass the increase.

“We wouldn’t do it if we didn’t have to but it’s inevitable,” White said.

Council meets again on Dec. 23. It’s unclear if they will cast a vote.