10/22/2026 Committee on Public Utilities

The City of Youngstown Committee on Public Utilities met on October 22, 2026, to review the long-term control plan (LTCP) schedule, financing, and proposed wastewater rate increases. Officials described Phase 2 as a roughly $228 million wet-weather treatment project, with about $120 million remaining for Mill Creek work; approximately $74–80 million has already been spent on Phase 1. The overall LTCP estimate discussed was about $400 million, including completed work. The city plans seven construction contracts for the next project, with preliminary site-work Contract 1 advertised and bids due November 6. Later contracts include a deep tunnel, screening and grit facilities, and a pump station. No contract award or rate legislation vote occurred at this meeting.

Officials said the federal consent-order schedule requires the work to proceed, and discussed applying for Ohio EPA financing for upcoming contracts. The city reported securing more than $12 million in grants and is pursuing additional funding and revised cost-sharing terms with Mahoning and Trumbull counties. To support financing and debt service, the administration outlined raising wastewater rates by 14% annually for five years, amending previously approved 5% increases for 2027–28 and adding three further years; council members requested additional review of costs, efficiency measures, public communications, and the combined water and wastewater bill. The committee set a November 4 working session to review budget and rate materials, draft loan-application authorization, and public information materials.