GALION, Ohio – With businesses in Galion threatening to leave town if electric rates do not change, Councilman Michael Richart said the time for change is now. After two years of listening to the public and working with Sawvel & Associates, Richart presented ordinances to Galion City Council during the regular meeting Tuesday evening.
Richart said that right now Galion’s electric rates are 10 to 15 percent higher than surrounding areas. With proposed changes, Richart said that rates will be more reasonable compared to the rates for residential homes.
Council President Carl Watt noted, “We can’t have businesses leaving town because of high electric rates. Business owners look at cost when looking to come into town.”
Several adjustments were addressed, the first of which was a revision to the Power Cost Adjustment (PCA). This ordinance brings the power cost adjustment down to zero to help save citizens money in the long run.
The baseline rates will go up by less than 2 cents if passed. These changes will see an addition to the electric rate service class–a new class which will be called “commercial.”
Richart said, “We want to promote businesses in Galion, and by bringing businesses to Galion we bring jobs. This is something that is workable for us.”
The PCA revision went into its final reading and was passed during Tuesday’s council meeting.
The electric rates ordinance was in its first reading and was not rushed into becoming an emergency ordinance. Two additional readings are required before voting. If passed, it will take effect on September 1 of this year.
Public information officer
In other business, the public information officer position was discussed.
Mayor O’Leary said that a job description is in formulation and would take approximately two weeks. The position will be available at the end of summer or early fall.
Mowing vacant property
Concerned citizen Anita Crabtree addressed tall grass next to her house. She said that the vacant property next to her home has grass that measures over 41 inches tall and inquired as to when it would be mowed.
O’Leary said that mowing will start Wednesday, as a contractor has been hired as well as seasonal mowers. O’Leary said that grass in the city must be kept under eight inches. Once grass exceeds that, a notice is sent to the property owner.
According to the mayor, there are around fifty vacant properties in the city that the city contractors will begin to mow within the next few days.
