Columbus City Utilities customers will see slightly lower water bills beginning in July, due to changes in Indiana Code under new state legislation.
Columbus City Council has passed the second reading of an ordinance amending municipal code to reflect changes in water rates and services.
Columbus City Utilities Director Roger Kelso said at a previous meeting that the action will reduce rates by about 4 cents per 1,000 gallons. He estimated that most households use about 4,000 to 5,000 gallons per month, so most homeowners will see a reduction of about 20 cents to their bill.
According to the ordinance, the changes are due to the passage of House Enrolled Action 1002. The law, among other things, eliminates the utility receipts tax previously enacted under Indiana Code. As a result, utilities are required to file rate adjustments that reflect the change.
The water rates and services are affected by this reduction include monthly metered flow rates, metered charges, private hydrant charges, fire protection charges and automatic sprinkler system charges. The exact amount of decrease varies.
The local rate changes are effective July 1 or upon approval by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission; whichever comes first.
