Posted on May 22, 2017
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
North Judson water and sewer customers will soon have the chance to weigh in on proposed rate hikes. Updated water and sewer rate ordinances were introduced on first reading during last week’s town council meeting. The council’s next step will be to hold a public hearing, before making a final decision.
Under the proposal, the minimum monthly water bill would increase nearly four dollars to $16.75. Customers using up to 5,000 gallons would pay $5.05 per 1,000 gallons. Meanwhile, the minimum sewer bill would rise nearly eight dollars to $38.55, with a rate of $12.05 per 1,000 gallons of water used for up to 3,200 gallons. Those living outside the North Judson town limits who use the town’s utilities would pay more.
Council members pointed out those rates would still be lower than those of many other local communities. Clerk-Treasurer Alicia Collins added that North Judson’s rates haven’t been keeping up with expenses. “The water bills went up six dollars in 18 years,” she said. “You cannot do that.”
The proposed rate hikes follow a study by accounting firm Umbaugh and Associates, which determined that the current levels are not adequate to cover operating costs. Additionally, the town’s water and wastewater infrastructure is in need of upgrades, requiring more revenue to cover future bond payments.
Collins said last week that a date for the public hearing hasn’t been finalized, but tentative plans call for it to be held Monday, June 5.
Click here to view the proposed water rate ordinance.
Click here to view the proposed sewer rate ordinance.
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