Bethesda Water, Sewer Rate Hike to Get Final Vote Wednesday Night
During its March meeting, Bethesda Village Council moved closer to enacting a water and sewer rate increase after hearing from members of the public on a variety of matters.
American Legion Post 90 Commander Gordon Price said a vacant lot the legion wants to lease from the village has no address, according to Belmont County GIS. Instead, he said it is listed simply as “village property.” According to the lot numbers surrounding the site, Price said, the address should be 110 N. Main St.
Solicitor Michael Shaheen suggested he list the lot as adjacent premises to the legion headquarters and name it as 110 N. Main in parenthesis for insurance purposes. Price responded that Kim Kemp of Kemp Insurance advised him to list it as an outparcel.
“Anything that they’ll do to get you coverage, we agree with,” Shaheen said.
All parties involved agreed that the draft lease for the site was agreeable. Shaheen told Price to secure insurance coverage and then stop by his office in St. Clairsville to complete the paperwork.
Diana Flanagan, wife of Mayor Robert Flanagan, also addressed council on behalf of the American Legion Auxiliary.
“We would like to have a food stand at the car show during Chautauqua, and we don’t know who to get in contact with,” she said. “Would it be the park board? You?”
She was told to contact Tim Snyder of the Union Local Rotary Club, which hosts the car show and its own food sales.
Meanwhile, Josh Myer, a former two-term county commissioner and Bellaire councilman, approached council to announce his bid for county auditor. Myer is running on the Republican ticket against incumbent Cindi Henry. He is basing his campaign on promises to improve relationships and communication among county departments and department heads, school boards and other county boards and to reduce employee turnover within the auditor’s office.
Resident Charlie Little raised concerns about youngsters riding scooters in traffic.
“One of these kids are going to get killed on these scooters,” he said. “I damn near hit one again yesterday or day before yesterday. … And the boy on the little red motorcycle. I’m telling you, people, if you don’t get these kids, either take them away from them or get to them, if you don’t, you’re going to go to a funeral.”
Councilwoman Jordan Castello echoed his concerns, and Mayor Flanagan asked for more details. Snyder said the juveniles have been spotted riding in dangerous ways all over town and that there are about six of them involved.
Councilwoman Ruth Saffell expressed concern for two little boys who ride a four-wheeler around town, including on Main Street. Snyder urged Police Chief Christopher Storm to intervene.
“Well, again, if you come into a council meeting and tell us about it, not when it actually happens, there’s not much we can do,” Storm replied.
Councilman Jay Van Horn agreed that members of the public need to report the incidents as they are witnessing them so that police can respond in real time.
Resident Rod Miller then broached a different topic.
“Do you guys ever consider something to keep vehicles of extra-large size off the streets?” he asked. Shaheen responded that the village likely has too many residents who rely on large vehicles for their income to restrict their parking within the community, though he said council could initiate legislation to limit the parking of such vehicles.
Van Horn expressed concern that there are a number of different types of large trucks operated by village residents that are parked on their own properties within the village. Shaheen agreed.
The conversation then turned to a comment made by Miller at a prior meeting.
“Hey, I want to apologize to Rod. He told me a while ago he doesn’t like me … ‘cause I don’t do nothing. But I want to apologize to you because I don’t do nothing, OK?” Mayor Flanagan said in reference to conversation that arose when Belmont County Prosecutor Kevin Flanagan approached council about seeking election as a common pleas court judge. Miller asked Flanagan why owners of derelict properties in the village are never prosecuted. Flanagan responded that those violations are a matter for Mayor’s Court that are outside the jurisdiction of his office.
Council then heard the second reading of an ordinance that would raise monthly water and sewer rates by $2 each.
First reading was held Feb. 11, when Fiscal Officer Ricky Burkhead briefed council on a water rate study he had conducted.
“Briefly, we’re losing money,” Burkhead had summed up the results. “The last water rate increase was in 2022 for 2023. So we’re four years into no changes.
“The county water rate is going up 3% year over year,” he continued, referring to the price for the village to purchase bulk water from the Belmont County Water & Sewer District. “ … Our water loss average should be somewhere between 15 and 20%. In 2024, our water loss average was over 60%. Last year, it was 23%, but in January and February last year it was almost 60-70%.”
Burkhead said this was due to some leaks that had since been located and repaired. He said the village lost $41,000 in 2024 and lost $28,000 in 2025.
The current water rate is $12 per 1,000 gallons but needs to be $13.21 per 1,000 gallons for the village to break even. The sewer rate is also $12 but needs to be $13.78 to break even.
The proposed rate increase would set rates at $14 per 1,000 gallons of water and $14 per 1,000 gallons of sewage. The $24 debt service charge and $1.50 sewer replacement fee would remain in place.
Saffell has pointed out that, if the increase is enacted, the average bill would be $53.50 per month.
When council heard the first reading in February, members Van Horn, Saffell, Shirley Lucas and Colby Rinehart voted in favor, while Castello voted “no,” saying that she was “standing up for the little man.”
The vote on the second reading in March was much the same, with an additional “yes” vote from Councilwoman Carol Merritt, who had been absent in February.
The third and final vote is expected to be held during the upcoming April 8 meeting.
Shaheen also updated council on progress toward a potential purchase of property within Epworth Park. He said efforts to contact the leadership of the East Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church, which owns the property, had so far been unsuccessful.
Council next entered an executive session at his request to discuss personnel. Before going behind closed doors, though, Van Horn thanked Price and Diana Flanagan for attending council meetings and working to advance the community.
Upon returning to open session, council unanimously approved renewal of a contract for emergency medical services. Burkhead said the 2026 contract includes the exact language used in the 2025 agreement.
Council also unanimously approved a building permit for Doreen Bailey to construct a galvanized, steel frame, one-car garage in her driveway.
Bethesda Village Council’s next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, at the Municipal Building.
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