FORT WAYNE – The National Weather Service in northern Indiana says northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio are likely to see more record-breaking heat on Monday.The Fort Wayne Board of Works on Wednesday approved the newly proposed three-year water rate increase, clearing the path for the City Council to pass it next week.
The board unanimously supported the proposal to raise water rates 40 percent during a three-year period instead of two, as originally pushed by City Utilities staff.
Under the city’s original proposal, residential users of 5,000 gallons a month would see their monthly water bills rise from $17.25 to $21.10 in 2013 and then to $24.16 in 2014.
The new proposal would increase rates to $21.10 in 2013, $22.95 in 2014 and $24.10 in 2015.
The delay in implementing the full rates would take the city’s ability to replace water pipes from 10 miles a year to nine miles a year, and it would slightly lower the final rates.
Kumar Menon, utility director, said while this would mean a loss in revenue for the utility, it was done to accommodate the many customers who asked whether the rates could be stretched over a longer time.
The council called a special meeting to potentially give final approval to the increase next week.
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