HOPE — Hope residents are about to learn what impact a rate increase requested by Eastern Bartholomew Water Corp. will have on their water bills.
Hope Town Manager J.T. Doane said he plans to give an update on water rates to the Hope Town Council and residents who attend tonight’s council meeting, which begins with a 5:30 p.m. public hearing on the town’s proposed 2018 budget.
The town purchases its water from Eastern Bartholomew County Water Corp., which had requested a 48 percent increase in the spring.
Doane and Hope Utilities Manager David Clouse attended an Aug. 23 hearing in Indianapolis where a settlement was reached between the Taylorsville-based utility and the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor, the town manager said. However, Doane declined to release the information prior to the council meeting.
An updated timetable on the start of a mandatory town-wide trash pickup will also be provided during the meeting, Doane said. In late August, the council approved a three-year contract with CGS Services of Morristown to provide the service.
Today’s agenda begins with a public hearing on a proposed $1.24 million budget for next year. While Doane said there are no significant changes from this year’s $1.23 million budget, the 2018 proposal includes a 2 percent pay increase for most town employees.
An initial vote on the 2018 budget is expected today, with a ratification scheduled for the 5:30 p.m. Oct. 17 council meeting, Doane said.
A second public hearing will be held on a downtown revitalization plan from Main Street of Hope. However, the council will still not be asked to immediately commit to any specific projects contained in the plan, Doane said.
Tonight’s meeting will be held at the Hope Town Hall, 404 Jackson St.
