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Elkhart council adopts IURC-approved water-rate ordinance with only minor residential increase
Summary
The Common Council approved ordinance 25-O-08 to replace water-utility appendices per the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission; councilors were told the change adds only a few cents to an average residential bill and reduces several other charges.
The Elkhart City Common Council on 2025-03-31 adopted Ordinance 25-O-08, updating the city water-utility rate appendices to reflect modifications approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. The council approved the ordinance by roll call, 7-0.
City staff said the IURC review altered the city’s proposed tables only slightly and that the net effect on an average residential bill would be “about a dime or a quarter.” A city Public Works staff member who presented the item said, “It takes a long time to go through the IURC process,” and that the commission’s changes reduced certain charges by between about 1.2 and 2.3 percent.
Why it matters: The presenter told the council the city’s last general water-rate increases were in 1993 and 2008, and that inflation, construction and materials costs have increased since then. Staff said without the updated rates the utility could not fund needed capital improvements or replacements, and cited lead remediation and ongoing system maintenance as examples of work that requires sustainable revenue.
Council discussion was minimal. The council substituted an amended version of the ordinance (25-O-08R) before the roll-call vote; the motion to substitute was made by a council member identified in the record as Mitchell and seconded by Councilman Fish.
Votes and formal action: The council substituted the ordinance, then adopted the amended ordinance 25-O-08R. Roll-call results recorded on adoption: Councilman Holtz — Aye; Councilman Curry — Yes; Councilwoman King — Yes; Councilman Mishler — Aye; Councilman Fish — Yes; Councilman Crabtree — Yes; President Dawson — Aye. (Recorded as 7-0.)
Details and clarifications: The IURC-reviewed changes cover the city’s four tier charges per 1,000 gallons, hydrant fees, service charges, minimum charges and fire-suppression system fees. Staff characterized the net impact on a typical residential account as small, while noting the IURC process delayed final approval for the city’s original filing.
The ordinance text read at the meeting references replacement of appendices to the city’s water-utility ordinance to reflect IURC approval. No public comments were offered during the hearing.
Ending: With the ordinance adopted, the utility will implement the IURC-approved tables. Staff said the changes are intended to keep the system funded for ongoing maintenance and capital needs.
