The Parkersburg City Council is preparing for a key vote Tuesday night that could impact residents’ monthly utility costs. On the agenda is the final reading of two ordinances—one to increase sewer rates and another to raise sanitation fees.
Both proposals passed their first readings during the May 27 meeting. The sewer rate hike, which affects customers of the Parkersburg Utility Board, received unanimous approval, 8-0. If passed again Tuesday, the rate will increase a total of 18.47% over the next four years.
The proposed sanitation fee increase would raise monthly costs from $18 to $22. That ordinance passed its first reading in a 6-2 vote, with Councilman Dave McCrady absent. If approved on Tuesday, the change would go into effect July 1.
The council meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. in council chambers on the second floor of the Municipal Building.
Land Reuse Agency Discussion Also on the Agenda
In addition to the fee increases, council members will also explore the idea of creating a Land Reuse Agency (LRA). While no vote will be taken on the matter, the session will offer a deeper look into what such an agency could mean for the city.
Parkersburg Development Director Ryan Barber said the discussion is intended to educate the council about LRAs, which function similarly to Urban Renewal Authorities (URAs), but with one key difference—they cannot use eminent domain to acquire property. Eminent domain allows governments to acquire private property for public use, typically at market value.
Barber noted that about 16 other cities in West Virginia have already established LRAs. These agencies often include industry professionals like bankers, realtors, appraisers, and developers to guide redevelopment and property use.
“Parkersburg is currently the only URA or LRA in the state made up entirely of city council members,” Barber said. “Everywhere else, these agencies include experts from various industries.”
Tuesday’s discussion will focus on how LRAs are being used successfully in other cities and what structure might work best for Parkersburg if the city decides to move forward.
With potential changes ahead in both utility costs and community development strategies, Parkersburg residents may want to stay engaged as council members debate next steps.
