GREENSBURG, IN — Greensburg City Council night discussed rate studies for both water and sewer Monday night.
The city’s last water study took place for the years 2018 thru 2021, and officials are proposing a 12.5% water rate increase over the next three years, which comes out to 4% a year starting in 2022.
The last sewer rate study was in late-2015/early-2016 and, because of the time between sewer studies, the city is considering a 23.5% hike over a three-year period.
“We’re looking at a couple of different rate increases as components of increased costs, increased labor, increased machinery, and operational expenses,” said Mayor Joshua Marsh.
He added both proposed rate increases would be phased in over three years so that residents can have, “some breathing room.” He adds the timetable works well with the city’s long-term capital improvement plan.
“This is something we’ve done historically, and by being really proactive like we have been in the past and like we are right now, we’re actually getting a better quality product and a more affordable rate because we’re not going to residents saying we need a 30- or 50% rate increase this year because we’re behind in funds,” Marsh said. “We’re just maintaining those funds and making sure our systems can stay up to date and can handle any type of growth we may have.”
Ordinances will have to be drafted before City Council council votes on each proposed rate increase.
Monday night’s session was the first city council meeting to be held in the newly-renovated City Hall at 314 West Washington Street.
