SHELBY — Water rates, road salt, housing programs and a ceremonial oak tree all crossed Shelby City Council’s agenda Monday night.

Council had its second reading on an ordinance updating the rules and pricing for the city’s water service.

Director of Finance Brian Crum previously stated the ordinance will go through the normal three readings before taking effect.

“The first week of May would be the third reading, then we wait 30 days before it takes effect, which would be in June,” Crum added. “Then it would take effect for the next bill, so it’s a long process.

“When we appropriated our budget, we assumed the increase would pass. If it doesn’t, we’ll have to get creative with financing,” he said. “We’ll have to look at some appropriations again.”

Council advances water policy, contracts

The proposal sets a $10 application fee for new or transferred accounts and outlines monthly charges tied to meter size and usage.

Residential customers with smaller meters would pay $3.75 into the Water Asset Management Fund and a $6 customer charge, while commercial users would pay a $4.75 fund fee and an $8.50 customer charge.

Larger commercial and industrial meters would carry a $6.75 fund fee and an $18 monthly charge. Elderly or disabled residents would qualify for reduced rates. Reduced rates would include $1.75 for the Water Asset Management Fund and a $3.50 customer charge per month.

The ordinance also details enforcement penalties, including $50 shutoff fees during business hours and $125 after hours.

The ordinance also clarifies billing practices, including monthly meter readings and how the city adjusts estimated bills when staff cannot access meters.

Council also had a first reading allowing the city to join Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) road salt contracts for 2026.

Project Coordinator Joe Gies said Shelby typically purchases about 800 tons through ODOT and another 800 tons through Richland County.

He said ODOT lowered its required purchase threshold from 90 percent to 85 percent of projected need this year.

Council introduced another ordinance authorizing a contract with the Ohio Regional Development Corporation to administer the 2026 Community Housing Impact and Preservation (CHIP) program.

Gies said the city issues a request for proposals every other year for the CHIP grant and has partnered with the organization for about 20 years.

‘Honoring Our Roots’ tree planting event set

Mayor Steven Schag announced Shelby will take part in the Heritage Tree Planting Program, which will place a commemorative native oak in each of Ohio’s 88 counties.

The city will host the ceremony April 24 at 10 a.m. at Seltzer Park North Pavilion, 60 Parkwood Drive.

“Honoring Our Roots” will guide the event, which includes an Arbor Day proclamation, the planting of Richland County’s heritage tree and a plaque dedication.

Students from Shelby Middle School and Shelby High School will perform patriotic music during the ceremony.

Marvin Memorial Library will offer story time and educational resources, while the Kiwanis will distribute free tree saplings supplied by Clear Fork FFA Alumni.

“So the public, all across Richland County, is cordially welcomed to attend this once-in-a-lifetime event,” Schag said.