Brownsburg council approves modest COLA increase for water and sewer after public pushback

The Brownsburg Town Council on Dec. 18 approved annual cost-of-living adjustments for the town’s water and sewer rates — a 1.5% increase for water and 1% for sewer — after staff and the town’s rate consultant outlined capital needs and a longer-term rate shortfall.

Council President said the law requires the council to consider the COLA before year-end, but residents at the meeting pressed elected officials for more disclosure about who bears the cost. Rob Bridal, a resident who spoke during public comment, urged the council to reject the increase, saying a promised staff report showing how homeowners may subsidize large businesses “has not surfaced” and asking, “How much are town taxpayers essentially subsidizing these businesses who are already getting huge incentives from the Town of Brownsburg?”

Why it matters: Staff and the rate consultant told the council the current water and sewer funds face structural pressure. The town’s consultant provided comparative charts and said that, on several measures, certain commercial customers pay rates comparable to or slightly higher than residential customers at various volumes. The consultant explained the town also uses a…