A proposal to raise sewer rates is expected to come before the Crawfordsville Common Council on Monday.
Earlier this week, members of the council’s fiscal affairs committee heard from Jarrod Hall of Krohn & Associates, who shared a wastewater rate study his firm compiled for the city.
Hall said the current average residential bill is $27.55 a month for 4,000 gallons. By their calculations, the rate needs to increase by 37% to continue supporting the utility’s operations, maintenance, debt service, bonds, depreciation and improvements.
“I know 37% is a pretty significant percentage,” Hall said. “But it’s really about $10 a month.”
The increase would be administered in two phases, the first set for April 1 and the second by Jan. 1, 2025.
For those inside the city, the rate per 100 gallons of water a month would climb from $0.505 to $0.592 on April 1 and $0.694 by Jan. 1, 2025. The maximum monthly single-family residential use charge (10,000 gallons) would increase from $57.85 to $67.82 on April 1 and then $79.51 on Jan. 1, 2025. A monthly minimum bill (2,000 gallons) is estimated at $20.46, effective April 1 and $23.99, effective Jan. 1, 2025.
Outside city uses will now be charged a rate per 100 gallons of water a month at $0.678, effective April 1 and $0.795, effective Jan. 1, 2025. The maximum single-family residential charge (10,000 gallons) would be $77.67 on April 1 and $91.08 on Jan. 1, 2025. The minimum monthly bill on April 1 would be $23.43 and $27.48 on Jan. 1, 2025.
In addition to the rate changes, administrative fees will increase from the current $7.35 to $8.62 on April 1 and $10.11 on Jan. 1, 2025, for those inside the city. Those outside the city will see an initial rate of $9.87 on April 1 and $11.58 by Jan. 1, 2025.
Industrial surcharges also will increase.
Mayor Todd Barton expressed his support for the rate increase. He said it was important that the city remain compliant with its bond agreements and that those users outside of the city who do not pay city taxes are contributing fairly to the operation of the utility.
The last sewer rate increase went into effect Jan. 1, 2018. Currently, Crawfordsville’s rates are among the lowest in the state. Barton said that having a low rate is nice, but it also has kept the city from qualifying for grant programs.
If approved, the sewer increase would put the average monthly charge at $37.87. That rate is lower than Noblesville ($41.78), Frankfort ($44), Lebanon ($46.82), Veedersburg ($50.02), Danville ($52.05), Whitestown ($57.12), New Market ($61), New Ross ($65) and Advance ($75.80).
The Fiscal Affairs Committee passed the proposed sewer rate ordinance to the full council with a favorable recommendation. They also gave a favorable recommendation to a proposed ordinance that would re-instate the deputy clerk’s position within the city clerk-treasurer’s office. Salary for the position would be $55,600. Committee members also gave a favorable recommendation to a resolution designating an economic development area and tax abatement for Spartech.
The Ordinance and Petitions Committee acknowledged receipt of the 2023 Crawfordsville Main Street annual report and gave a favorable recommendation to repealing and replacing city code chapter 53 regarding drainage regulations.
The Traffic, Parking & Safety Committee gave a favorable recommendation to amend a city parking ordinance to establish a 72-hour limit at the city parking lot in the 400 block of East Main Street.
The council meets at 6 p.m. Monday in the council chambers on the second floor of the City Building, 300 E. Pike St.
