Lorain City Council Considers Raising Water and Sewer Rates

Utilities Committee discusses potential increases to address infrastructure needs and budget deficits.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:19pm

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A minimalist studio photograph featuring a polished metal water valve, a smooth concrete pipe segment, and a sleek water meter floating on a clean white background, conceptually representing the abstract challenges of municipal utility management.Symbolic objects of Lorain's water and sewer systems highlight the need for ongoing infrastructure investment.Amherst Today

The Lorain City Council Utilities Committee is considering raising water and sewer rates for the city's approximately 25,000 households, as well as other municipalities that use Lorain's sewer services. The sewer fund has been in a deficit since 2021, and the city has several ongoing and upcoming infrastructure projects that need funding. However, some council members are concerned about the impact on residents, especially those on fixed incomes.

Why it matters

Raising water and sewer rates can be a sensitive issue for residents, as it impacts household budgets. The city needs to balance the need for infrastructure improvements and maintaining a balanced budget with the affordability of these essential services for the community.

The details

The Lorain City Council Utilities Committee recently met to discuss the possibility of increasing water and sewer rates. The city's utilities director, Joseph A. Carbonaro, presented information showing the sewer fund has been in a deficit since 2021 and outlined several ongoing and upcoming infrastructure projects, including work at pump stations, water tower rehabilitation, and other improvements. Carbonaro noted that on a national average, Americans pay $12 in usage rates for sewers and wastewater treatment, compared to $6.48 for Lorain residents. However, some council members, like Councilman-at-large Mitchell J. Fallis, expressed concern about the impact on residents, especially those living on fixed incomes.

  • The Lorain City Council Utilities Committee recently met on April 6, 2026 to discuss the potential rate increases.
  • Lorain customers haven't seen a rate increase since 2020.

The players

Joseph A. Carbonaro

The director of utilities for the city of Lorain.

Joshua Thornsberry

Ward 8 Councilman and chairman of the Utilities Committee.

Mitchell J. Fallis

Councilman-at-large who expressed concern about the impact of rate increases on residents on fixed incomes.

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What they’re saying

“I don't know how long we're going to be able to keep the rates the same.”

— Joshua Thornsberry, Ward 8 Councilman and chairman of the Utilities Committee

“I think that would be a good place to start.”

— Mitchell J. Fallis, Councilman-at-large

What’s next

The Utilities Committee will continue discussing the potential rate increases at future meetings, and Councilman Fallis has requested an expense report detailing the Utilities Department's spending over the last 3-5 years to help inform the decision.

The takeaway

Lorain's aging water and sewer infrastructure requires significant investment, but raising rates could create affordability challenges for residents, especially those on fixed incomes. The city must balance the need for infrastructure improvements with the community's ability to pay, requiring careful consideration and input from both city officials and residents.