Dayton, Ohio – The City of Dayton filed a counterclaim last week in response to an ongoing lawsuit brought by Montgomery County concerning the 2018 water supply agreement. The legal filing marks a significant development in the growing tension between the two government entities over water infrastructure and cost distribution.
City of Dayton Law Director Barbara Doseck issued a statement last week defending the city’s handling of the agreement and sharply criticizing the County’s actions. “We have fully complied with the water agreement in good faith,” said Doseck. “Our significant investments in infrastructure and ongoing efforts to maintain high-quality water come at a cost, and we have dedicated substantial resources to upholding our responsibilities under the agreement.”
Allegations of Imbalance and Mismanagement
In the counterclaim, Dayton asserts that Montgomery County has not fulfilled its share of obligations. The city alleges that the County failed to invest in essential infrastructure, neglected participation in critical meetings, and mismanaged its water loss—actions that have contributed to higher operational costs.
According to the city’s claims, Montgomery County uses 57 percent of the water produced by the City of Dayton but only pays 41 percent of the cost, creating what the city considers an unfair imbalance. Dayton officials argue that reducing the County’s costs even further would place an unjust burden on city residents.
“While we have operated as a good partner, we will not allow the County’s allegations to go unanswered. As a result of County’s allegations, the City must now zealously defend its position,” Doseck stated.
