Columbus City Council last night accepted a 238 thousand dollar federal grant to help reduce a backlog of DNA tests in the municipal crime lab. Interim Columbus Safety Director George Speaks:
Council also approved a 2.9 percent water and sewer rate increase for next year. The city says the average quarterly bill for a household of four will increase by 28 dollars a year inside of the city, and by 32 dollars a year for a household of four in the suburbs. Columbus property owners also will see a 1 percent increase in storm-water-runoff fees. The annual increases fund system upgrades mandated by two consent decrees the city signed with the Ohio EPA to settle lawsuits about overflows into area homes and waterways.