Water rates a concern in Fillmore

Monday, November 11, 2013

FILLMORE -- A recent discussion of possible changes in the City of Greencastle water service has Fillmore officials and residents concerned about their town's water rates.

At an Oct. 21 special meeting, the Greencastle Board of Works discussed an Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) determination that the city make modifications to its system within 18 months.

Meeting on Thursday, Nov. 7, the Fillmore Town Council learned from Clerk-Treasurer Wanda Seidler that any increase in Greencastle's water rate would lead to an increase in Fillmore's water rate, as the town purchases its water from the larger city.

While rate increases were discussed in Fillmore, it is important to note that they have not been officially discussed by Greencastle officials at this point.

Instead, at the special meeting, Greencastle Utility Superintendent Robert Lovell explained to the board of works that the city's population surpassing 10,000 residents means it is subject to stricter guidelines.

There may also be issues with IDEM springing from the proximity of the city's well field to Big Walnut Creek.

However, the city of Greencastle is appealing the ruling from IDEM, meaning no changes, or corresponding rate increases, are imminent.

This means no increases are imminent in Fillmore just yet, either.

Fillmore's utility fortunes are tied to Greencastle's because the town purchases both its water and sewer service from the larger city. Fresh water is piped into Fillmore from the Greencastle water plant and wastewater is piped from Fillmore to the city's sewer plant.

If an increase were to happen, residents told the council, the effects would be more severe in Fillmore, as utility rates are already higher than in Greencastle.

Fillmore resident Steve Decker opined that a significant increase "is just going to run more people out of this town."

For now, the town is simply waiting to see what IDEM and Greencastle decide.

Decker and other residents expressed a desire to see any proposed increase protested, even if it is to no avail.

In other business:

* Lori Young of Curry and Associates discussed some remaining areas of concern following the town's stormwater project.

Young said she was in town for the heavy rains on Halloween night and saw areas where drainage issues remain.

A crew from the engineering firm was to be in Fillmore on Friday to examine possible solutions.

* Council president Alan Jones has inquired about increases in the town's insurance with the addition of a town park on Westwood Road.

Jones said he was assured that any increase would not take effect until after Jan. 1, 2014, and that it would not exceed $50 annually.

* The council formally voted to pursue grant money for the construction of a new firehouse for the Fillmore Volunteer Fire Department.

The council had already discussed the proposed construction at a recent meeting, but had not officially voted on the issue, a necessary step as the lead agency in the grant application.

* Utility Superintendent Joe Cash will be furnishing and installing parking bumpers in the newly repaved Town Hall parking lot.

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