T-L Photo/CARRI GRAHAM Barbara Godwin, village representative on the Eastern Ohio Regional Wastewater Authority, answers Bellaire Village Council’s questions during Thursday’s meeting.

BELLAIRE — The village’s representative on the Eastern Ohio Regional Wastewater Authority cleared up some issues regarding a $5 fee implemented on some residents’ water bills, along with those surrounding her current position on the board.

Barbara Godwin, EORWA representative for the village, met with Bellaire Village Council on Thursday evening to discuss some concerns that were brought up during council’s last meeting. A couple matters were raised, including an added charge on customers’ bills due to them being estimated instead of checked by a meter reader — something the village is currently lacking. And it was brought to light that Godwin is not a resident of the village, meaning she is disqualified from acting as the village’s representative.

Godwin, who came at council’s request, said she was unaware of the residency requirement when she took the position. She is a St. Clairsville resident but does own property in the village. Mayor Ed Marling reappointed Godwin for another three-year-term in March but did not know of the issue at the time.

Solicitor Michael Shaheen made it clear that it was not Godwin’s fault that the residential requirement was not met, as she stated that she was also unaware of it. He also confirmed that she is unable to remain on the board.

Councilwoman Janet Richardson then inquired about the $5 charge. From what she has gathered, the fee was actually imposed by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency as a fine for those residents with estimated bills.

Godwin explained that the fine amount originally was based on the number of bedrooms in each resident’s home; however, it was later decreased to the amount it is now after it was determined it would be a hardship on many residents.

“The more bedrooms you had, the more water consumption was assumed. So anytime there was an estimated read for a period of time, even one read it can apply, I think it was $30 per bedroom and it went up from there,” she said, adding that she is unsure why the OEPA implemented the fine.

Godwin said there were 430 actual readings, 1,181 estimated readings and zero self-meter reading reports called in during the month of July. She said residents are able to call in their own meter amounts to avoid being charged the fee.

Council members said they were unaware of the fee or of residents being able to call in the amount.

To avoid the fee, residents are urged to contact the village water department, learn when their water meter needs to be read each month, then call the village at that designated time to submit the amount listed on their meter.

Shaheen recommended adding a notice to customers’ bills to alert them as to how the fee can be avoided.

Councilman Jerry Olack said that 500 new water meters are set to be installed before the end of the year. Once this is completed, the village will no longer require a meter reader as the new meters will be equipped with automatic readers that can be seen at the water department office.

In other matters, Martins Ferry Councilman Jack Regis Sr., a Democrat who is running for a seat on the Belmont County Board of Commissioners, met with council members to introduce himself. He said he wants to open the lines of communication between the cities, villages and townships by attending more meetings throughout the county and bringing the issues back to the commission for answers.

“I want to give more transparency where people feel like they’re getting a little more bang for their buck in that office and where people feel they’re getting more representation,” he added.

Regis said he is pushing for the commissioners to hold town hall-style meetings in the different communities but was told that they may happen after the election.

Regis is running against incumbent Republican Commissioner Jerry Echemann in the Nov. 8 general election.

Also, council entered into an executive session to discuss personnel and litigation. Following a nearly hour-long, closed-door session, council removed Godwin from her position as EORWA representative for the village as she is not legally able to hold the title. Marling must now appoint another person to fill the seat.

Council will next meet at 6 p.m. Oct. 6 at the municipal building.

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