Suburban leaders ‘frustrated’ with regional water talks

Leaders involved in talks to establish the Toledo Area Water Authority are returning to the bargaining table Monday, but some suburban players are growing frustrated with recent developments.

Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz proposed a plan May 24 calling for a regional water commission to set rates and create a capital improvement plan. The commission would be comprised of representatives from Toledo and the municipalities buying its water, but Toledo City Council would have veto power over rates. The proposal was a pivot from January’s memorandum of understanding between Toledo, Lucas County, Perrysburg, Maumee, Sylvania, Whitehouse, Fulton County, Monroe County, and the Northwestern Water and Sewer District.

Suburban mayors shot down the idea the next day and countered with their own proposal. Maumee Mayor Richard Carr said a TAWA agreement must include an independent board, and control should not be an issue.

"I think the problem Toledo has is they have people — and I don’t include the mayor in this — but they have people who are not interested in regional cooperation," Mayor Carr said. "All they’re concerned with is regional governance. They want control.

"If they maintain that, we will not have regional water with Toledo as a […]

Full article: Suburban leaders ‘frustrated’ with regional water talks