Lawmaker sues cities over wastewater treatment fees

A conflict over wastewater treatment fees is creating tension between a state lawmaker and the cities she represents in Indiana. State Rep. Ragen Hatcher, who also leads the Gary Sanitary District, has filed a federal lawsuit against Hobart, Lake Station, and the Merrillville Conservancy District. The lawsuit aims to increase user rates for wastewater treatment, which Hatcher claims are outdated. Hatcher’s lawsuit, filed on January 15, asserts that the current user rates are too low to meet federal requirements. The Gary Sanitary District has a history of environmental violations, including a case from the 1980s when it was ordered to clean up toxic waste. The dispute has strained Hatcher's relationship with the city officials of Hobart and Lake Station. Hobart Mayor Josh Huddlestun and officials from the Merrillville Conservancy District refused to comment on the lawsuit. Hatcher, who recently took on her role at the Gary Sanitary District while also serving in the Indiana General Assembly, has faced criticism from local leaders, including Lake Station Mayor Bill Carroll. Carroll believes Hatcher's dual role presents a conflict of interest and argues that the proposed rate increases would unfairly burden residents. The lawsuit highlights ongoing disagreements over wastewater fees. Some local officials argue that Hatcher is not serving the best interests of the communities she represents. Over the years, there have been disputes about rising treatment rates, and Hobart even considered building its own sewage treatment facility in the past. The court case is still active and is being overseen by U.S. District Judge Philip P. Simon. Community leaders express a desire for collaboration, but financial disputes continue to complicate relationships. The session at the Statehouse is set to end on April 29.