5 years of sewer rate hikes proposed

YOUNGSTOWN – A study commissioned by the city administration calls for 14% annual sewer rate increases for the next five years to pay for more than $400 million in federally mandated wastewater improvements. The rate study’s findings, unveiled Thursday, were quickly opposed by council members, who said residents cannot afford the proposed significant increases and urged the administration to find grants and make cuts to city expenses to help reduce those percentages. Council members said they wouldn’t approve rates that high unless the administration made cuts or reallocated funds. Councilwoman Samantha Turner, D-3rd Ward, said:…