The La Porte Common Council on Dec. 1 heard first readings of ordinances that would approve the City of La Porte’s 2026 budgets for the water and wastewater/stormwater departments.

Councilman Buchanan read the water department ordinance for the first time and said, “the total budget for the water department is $6,025,911.” Councilwoman Konejny read the wastewater and stormwater ordinance text, saying, “The sewage operation, budget for 2026 is $6,882,180 and for stormwater is $873,152.” Both ordinances were moved and seconded for first reading and were scheduled to return to the council on Dec. 15 for further consideration.

Clerk Treasurer Parthun told the council these budgets are non‑DLGF‑approved budgets and have been presented for transparency to the public since 2020. He said the water and wastewater totals are based on historical data, capital plans and operating plans moving forward, and discussed whether the documents would be posted on the state gateway or the city website for public access.

The ordinances were introduced as first readings only; no final adoption votes were taken at the Dec. 1 meeting. The council set both items for the council meeting on Dec. 15, where members are expected to consider the ordinances and any amendments.

If adopted following the second reading and required approvals, the budgets would authorize the departments to begin work under the 2026 spending plans presented to the council.