Potential Community Projects

Transition the Ownership of Sheffield Lake's Electrical Distribution System to the City of Sheffield Lake.

Imagine waking up in Sheffield Lake where the morning sun illuminates a city that is both modern and resilient. Our power lines, once vulnerable to the whims of First Energy and Mother Nature, are now safely buried underground, ensuring that eyesores and power outages are a thing of the past. You no longer need to worry about storms knocking out electricity, and our streets are lined with sleek, durable metal light posts that not only enhance the city's aesthetic appeal but also improve safety and visibility.

In this vision, Sheffield Lake has taken control of its destiny by forming its own municipal electric company. This move, inspired by the success of our neighbor Amherst, allows us to provide reliable and cost-effective electric services tailored to our community's specific needs. By managing our utility, we can offer lower electricity rates, as municipal utilities often operate more efficiently and without the profit margins required by investor-owned utilities. Additionally, Sheffield Lake can chart its future when it comes to electricity.

The transformation begins with the comprehensive burying of power lines and other utilities throughout residential areas. This significant infrastructure project drastically reduces the risk of outages caused by severe weather and improves the overall appearance of our neighborhoods. Picture walking down your street without the sight of tangled wires overhead, replaced instead by a clear sky and clean, unobstructed views.

Our new metal light posts provide consistent and bright lighting, making our streets safer for pedestrians and drivers alike. Enhanced lighting reduces crime and creates a more welcoming environment for evening activities. Imagine your children playing safely outside, or taking a leisurely evening stroll, comforted by the well-lit streets that reflect the care and investment in our community.

To finance these major improvements, we will utilize century bonds, long-term bonds with maturities of up to 100 years. These bonds allow us to spread the cost of infrastructure upgrades over many decades, ensuring that the financial burden is manageable and shared across generations. Additionally, when a house is sold a $5,000 assessment is placed on the next three purchasers. These strategic funding arrangements ensure that we distribute the cost over 4 generations of homeowners (a generation = 25 years) who will use these utilities until they need another major infrastructure improvement.

If we undertake this transformation, community engagement remains at the forefront. Through town hall meetings, surveys, and open forums, residents will have a voice in shaping the future of our electric utility. Transparency and regulatory compliance would guide our actions as we work with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio and other entities to secure necessary approvals and ensure a smooth transition.

The establishment of our own municipal electric utility department, staffed by local experts dedicated to maintaining and improving our electric services, would mark a significant milestone. This department is envisioned to oversee the operation, maintenance, and customer service, ensuring that Sheffield Lake benefits from professional and community-focused management.

This vision of a modern, resilient Sheffield Lake is not just a dream; it is within our reach. By taking control of our electric services and making strategic investments in our infrastructure, we can create a future that benefits all residents, enhances our quality of life, and sets an example for other communities to follow. Join us in this transformative journey, and help build a brighter, more resilient Sheffield Lake for generations to come.