Elkhart council considers lower water rate increase

The Elkhart City Council is planning a slight increase in water and sewer rates for its customers. This change follows approval from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC). The council had initially approved a 44 percent increase over three years, marking the first rise in rates in about 17 years. City Engineer Tory Irwin explained that the IURC revised the proposed rate increase by a few cents. As a result, the council must amend its original plan to reflect these changes. Specifically, the increase will now be reduced by 2 to 4 cents per unit. This means residents will pay slightly less on their average monthly water bill than originally expected. Water rates have not changed since 2008, while utility costs have risen due to inflation. The city needs these increases to cover higher operating costs and to fund ongoing repairs and upgrades to the water system. These projects include the replacement of aging water mains and lead service lines. Irwin noted that even after the increase, Elkhart's water rates remain the lowest in the region. The average monthly cost for city customers is currently $12.81, compared to the state average of $29.72. The planned increases would raise rates gradually, with new charges starting in January. The city council will take public comments on the new rates and vote on the changes during their meeting on April 7.