Bluffton’s water usage decreased by 15.5 percent this year due to Bluffton University, Bluffton schools and businesses shut down due to covid-19.

David Steiner of the council utility committee appraised council of that fact on Monday. 

The cost of water production allocated to Bluffton is $550,304 compared to last year’s cost of $549,355.

The Bluffton rate per 100 cubic foot of water will increase from $2.06 to $2.44 due to the decreased volume of water spread over approximately the same fixed costs of production.

While Bluffton’s water usage decreased, Ottawa’s water decreased was 13.6 percent  – Bluffton gets its water from Ottawa. 

The utility committee report was among several committee reports on Monday.

Village planning commission met on Oct. 1. The committee reviewed required contents of a preliminary plan for a planned unit development (PUD) with Bob Fett. He inquired about installing a PUD on North Bentley Road between West Elm and Garmatter.

Council passed the second reading of legislation calling for the addition of its leave time donation policy with village employees. The policy is explained in the council packet attached to this story.

Leaf pick up begins Oct. 26
Leaf pick up in Bluffton will begin in full force the week of Oct. 26, according to Jesse Blackburn, village administrator.

He said that the village service department could make some leaf pick up rounds prior to that depending upon their schedule.

Leaves are to be placed in long, narrow rows at the curb edge of the tree lawn.