Tap-in measure may spur growth

By SHELLEY TERRY - Staff Writer - sterry@starbeacon.com
Star Beacon

October 02, 2007 12:20 am

— ASHTABULA — For the second time in a month, City Council vice president Josephine Misener’s toes seemed to be tapping over new tap-in fee legislation.
That’s because council unanimously passed new sewer connection and water tap-in fee legislation designed to stimulate economic growth in the city.
“It’s another good night,” she said. “This ordinance is for new construction — new commercial, industrial and retail construction.”
The ordinance states the city will give applicants of such new construction a 50 percent rebate on their tap-in fee for one year. The tap-in fee will be based on a calculation made from the most current “suggested sewage flow guide,” according to the ordinance.
The passage comes a little less than a month after a new ordinance put a two-year moratorium on charging tap-in fees of any businesses locating in any existing, vacant commercial buildings. It also said that should there be a modification of that building, a tap-in fee will be assessed based on a calculation made from the “suggested sewage flow guide,” and the applicant would receive a 50 percent discount on the fee.
The new legislation also states no sewer connection or tap-in fees will be assessed in applying for residential permits for existing structures of two-stories or higher or more on Main Avenue and Bridge Street.
Ward 4 Councilwoman Julie Lattimer said the new ordinances should spur economic development.