Board reviews 2026 business plan; cites vacant positions, insurance and chemical cost pressures
Summary
Staff presented highlights of the 2026 business plan, reporting six vacant positions to be filled, an estimated $25,000 annual insurance increase tied to workers' comp litigation, projected chemical-cost increases of about 10%, and modest planned pay increases; the board tabled adoption to review the plan further.
Board staff reviewed the utility’s 2026 business plan and identified personnel and operating-cost pressures that informed a conservative revenue forecast. Staff told the board the plan does not assume additional revenue from the pending rate case because the outcome and timing remain uncertain, and they flagged several areas of cost pressure the board should consider.
Staff reported six vacant positions across the department and said recruiting will be a priority early in 2026; one position may be reclassified in connection with an updated billing agreement with the sanitary district. Staff also cited an estimated insurance premium increase—"about $25,000 a year"—which they linked to a pair of workers' compensation claims currently before the Indiana workers' compensation board. The presenter described those items as having prompted reserve increases by the carrier that influence premiums.
Other cost drivers included a roughly 10% projected increase in chemical costs due to reduced manufacturing capacity for chlorine, and modest wage increases: about 4.77% average for nonunion staff and a 4% contractual increase for union personnel in August. Staff said total employment expenses for 2026 are planned to be slightly above 2025 projections but within a cautious posture.
After discussion the board did not adopt the business plan and tabled the item for review at the next meeting; no formal adoption occurred on Dec. 23.
