SYLVANIA, Ohio — Sylvania City Council voted to sign on to the Toledo regional water agreement Monday night.
Six council members voted for the decision while one abstained.
One of the first vocal proponents of this agreement, Sylvania Mayor Craig Stough said it checks most of the boxes as far as providing water to his neighbors.
"For safe water. For fair pricing of water. For economic development. And for regional cooperation," he said.
It's a feeling City Council president Mary Westphall echoed, saying it sends a message of economic growth and prosperity to her constituents.
"I think it says that we are very committed to doing the right thing for our community. We are grateful for the leadership that Mayor Stough has brought to the table and we're also grateful for the cooperation from the city of Toledo," she said.
Stough said residents will likely see up to a 20% decrease on their water bills come the beginning of the year because the city will be able to stop collecting certain fees that were assessed over the last several years.
"I look forward to putting my signature on it," he said.
Sylvania leaders toured the Collins Park Water Treatment Plant just a few weeks ago to see upgrades to the facility.
Sylvania leaders also explored four other water options, such as building their own plant, purchasing water from the city of Detroit, city of Monroe or the Michindoh Aquifer.
Sylvania is the fifth jurisdiction to join the agreement. Lucas County, Monroe County, Maumee and Whitehouse have all signed on.
Fulton County commissioners signed a letter of intent to join while Perrysburg will likely vote on Oct. 15, according to the mayor, and the Northwestern Water and Sewer District will vote on Oct. 10 or 24, according to a spokesperson.