Whiteland officials approve balanced 2026 water budget with rate increase

Whiteland Town officials voted 3–0 to approve the 2026 water utility budget after staff updated the estimates to reflect November 2025 actuals and an implemented rate increase.

The council approved a budget that staff said would be balanced for 2026, with a three-year incremental 6% rate increase included and an 11% depreciation transfer into the utility’s improvement fund. Staff also noted proposed allocations of up to $250,000 toward a back truck purchase and a $220,000 transfer from operating to the improvement fund for future projects.

At the meeting, a presenter explained that earlier drafts had undercounted 2025 revenue and had not included the recent rate increase. “After he was able to update it…we will have a balanced budget,” the speaker said. A council member moved to approve the budget; a roll-call vote followed and the motion passed 3–0.

Councilors asked staff to double-check spreadsheets and to provide a clear, printed breakdown of changes to be placed in the January packet. The presiding officer said he would review documents if staff needed additional support during reconciliation.

The council’s vote completes budget approval for the water utility for 2026; staff said any further contract decisions tied to equipment purchases would return to the council for authorization.