The Worthington City Council on Monday approved its first reading of an ordinance that raises the city's storm water utility rate.
To fund the Centennial Park Lift Station rehabilitation, a rate hike of $161,365 was recommended by city staff. This results in a proposed 19.25% stormwater utility rate increase for the 2025 budget to meet 2025 revenue needs. The base annual residential rate per acre would go to $409.27, compared to the current rate of $343.20 per acre.
Other planned revised rates for 2025 were presented during Monday night's meeting. The commercial rate per acre for 2025 would be $68.51 per month, up $11.06 from the monthly rate of this year. The monthly industrial rate per acre would go to $56.92, an increase of $9.19. The monthly multi-family rate per acre increases $8.14 to $50.44, while the monthly institutional rate rises $8.14 to $50.44.
Additional examples of revised storm water utility rates that were provided include: 2.5-acre church site, up $27.62 to $171.28 per month; 4-acre commercial site, up $44.24 t0 $274.05 per month; and 10-acre industrial site, up $91.89 to $569.22 per month.
It's anticipated that storm water utility rates will either remain the same or have very minimal increases in 2026.
Also during Monday's council meeting, recommendations for the establishment of cannabis businesses within the city's zoning districts were discussed.
Director of Community Development Matt Selof went over a list of recommendations of which type of cannabis-related operations could be allowed in the city's zoning districts, and what types of specific permits may or may not be required depending on the circumstances. Council members appeared to concur with these recommendations, though no formal action was taken Monday.
Selof also spoke about buffer guidelines pertaining to cannabis businesses. He noted that the Planning Commission has recommended a 200-foot buffer around schools and a 200-foot buffer around attractions within a public park regularly used by minors including playgrounds and athletic fields, such as Trojan Field. Again, no formal action was taken.
Also Monday, council members approved a resolution ordering the preparation of a feasibility report of the reconstruction of Service Road from Spring Avenue to Service Drive, and the extension of Service Drive from Spring Avenue to Trunk Highway 60.
The proposed improvements for Service Road — along which Graham Tire is located — include base reconstruction, resurfacing, curb and gutter, driveways and sanitary sewer services. The report will be prepared by Bolton and Menk Inc. For Service Drive, the project involves extending the road to Trunk Highway 60 and includes base reconstruction, resurfacing, curb and gutter, driveways, water main reconstruction and sanitary sewer services.
While the project has received a state grant, it will not cover 100% of the costs. The remaining expense, after deducting the grant amount from the total project cost, will be assessed to the abutting property owners.
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