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Board reviews IURC hearing testimony, clarifies sewer‑extension rule for targeted economic development and hears MS4 update
Summary
Board members recapped testimony at a Feb. 25 IURC field hearing where business representatives and Southern Monroe Water Authority testified about proposed rate impacts; staff clarified the board’s new Section 24.2 rule allowing sewer extension outside city limits only for designated economic-development sites and received an MS4/stormwater program update.
During the March 9 meeting board members and staff reviewed testimony from a Feb. 25 IURC field hearing and discussed local policy and permitting updates. A board member summarized that testimony from the business community — including a Chamber representative identified in the transcript as Eric Spinmore — raised concerns that large commercial users could shoulder a disproportionate share of proposed rate increases. The owner of a local business transcribed as 'Heartwork' urged a phased approach to implementation to reduce burden on small businesses.
Katherine Zigger, Utilities Director, clarified a rules-and-regulations change the board approved on Jan. 29 (section 24.2). She said the provision allows CBU to consider sewer extension outside city limits only for developments the city’s economic and sustainable development authority has identified as strategic economic-development sites intended to create jobs and wage growth; the provision does not include residential extensions and must meet contiguity requirements.
The board also received subcommittee reports on pretreatment and stormwater. Presenters noted CBU is designated as a control agent for pretreatment responsibilities under the Clean Water Act (one of 47 municipalities in the state with that authority) and that violations in the period were few and promptly corrected. Liz Carter presented the MS4 "State of the Storm 2026," reporting 21 outreach events in 2025 and $10,000 in permit fees collected in 2025 from nine permits; staff said there have already been about 25–30 permit applications so far this year.
No changes to rate policy or sewer-extension practice were adopted at the March 9 meeting; board members asked staff to keep stakeholders informed and to return with additional materials or clarifications as needed.
