Elwood previews water and wastewater rate increases tied to infrastructure needs; meter‑replacement grant introduced

Elwood City Council discussed proposed increases to water and wastewater rates during its June 1 meeting, and staff introduced a related meter‑replacement project that would use grant funds to offset costs.

Christie and utility staff explained the rate proposal (ordinance 258) is intended to make billing fairer by reducing cross‑subsidies so that large water users pay more of the system costs. Staff said a representative residential bill would increase roughly $23.70 per month, with wastewater charges accounting for most of the rise. The structure shifts more cost to higher consumption tiers and raises the monthly base for several meter sizes.

Council members pressed staff on fairness and comparison to private water companies; staff said the city’s proposed 3/4‑inch meter monthly charge would be $23.40 compared with a cited private provider rate of $28.30 for the same meter size. Utility staff emphasized they worked with financial advisors to limit the burden on single‑family households while capturing needed revenue for pipes and wastewater compliance.

Officials also introduced Ordinance 259, which would authorize a meter‑replacement program relying partly on a roughly $750,000 grant (referred to in the discussion as an OCRA/Oakra grant). Staff said phase‑three wastewater work includes installing interceptors to reduce sanitary overflows and comply with the IDEM/IDM agreed order; those interceptors are intended to route additional flow to the treatment plant to avoid untreated discharges during heavy rain events.

The rate increase will be the subject of a formal public hearing next Tuesday; council did not take final action on rates at the June 1 meeting but introduced the meter project for later action.