Fillmore council set to approve new water rates

FILLMORE -- Looking to create more revenue to better support the town’s water systems, leaders in Fillmore will soon move to establish new rate schedules for both metered water and wastewater over the next three years.

The Fillmore Town Council conducted the first readings for Ordinances 2020-7 and 2020-8 during its regular meeting held Thursday evening. They focused on the actual rate increases, as well as expectations for late payments.

As to metered water, the rates will increase as follows:

• Zero to 2,000 gallons: 2021 - $36.01; 2022 - $37.09; 2023 - $38.20; 2024 and after - $39.35

• Next 8,000 gallons: 2021 - $14.42; 2022 - $14.85; 2023 - $15.30; 2024 and after - $15.75

• Next 10,000 gallons: 2021 - $13.49; 2022 - $13.90; 2023 - $14.32; 2024 and after - $14.75

• Over 20,000 gallons: 2021 - $11.83; 2022 - $12.18; 2023 - $12.55; 2024 and after - $12.93

• Fire hydrants: $125 per year

As to wastewater, the new rates will be as follows:

• First 1,000 gallons or less: 2021 - $53.39; 2022 - $55; 2023 - $56.65; 2024 and after - $58.35

• Each successive 1,000 gallons: 2021 - $14.24; 2022 - $14.66; 2023 - $15.10; 2024 and after - $15.56

• Sewer only: 2021 - $96.10; 2022 - $98.98; 2023 - $101.95; 2024 and after - $105.01

Water bills will be due on the fifth day of the month. Both ordinances stipulate that a one-day grace period will be allowed before assessing late fees. All bills not payed on or before the due date may have 10% of the balance charged. The town may disconnect water if delinquencies are not paid within 30 days, after which a $50 reconnection fee could be charged.

The council set for a special meeting to be held on Thursday, Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. to conduct the second readings for both ordinances. An executive session will also be held beforehand.

The last ordinance on wastewater rates was approved by the council in 2014, according to the new ordinance which is to replace it. Regardless, they are coinciding with Greencastle leaders approving increases for the city’s water. Fillmore purchases both its drinking water and sewage service from Greencastle.

In other business:

• The council approved Resolution 2020-5 granting Liberty Industries abatements for real and personal property improvements. A public hearing was held, after which Kristin Clary of the Greencastle/Putnam County Development Center asked the council to pass the resolution.

A misunderstanding about last month’s council meeting arose, and as such the council moved to re-approve the same abatements. Clary added that Liberty had not yet begun construction on the additions planned.

• The council read the second reading for and passed Ordinance 2020-9, which establishes a stormwater maintenance fund. Ratepayers will be required to pay $3 a month into the fund beginning January 2021. Beginning in January 2022, this rate will increase by $1 each year.

• The council read and passed Resolution 2020-6, which advises of procedures for monitoring receipt and dispersement of funds obtained through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Council member C.J. Huller, Town Marshal Darrel Bunten and Town Attorney Jeff Boggess were not in attendance, while Utilities Operator Joe Cash was.

The next regular meeting of the Fillmore Town Council is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 7 at 7 p.m. in the Fillmore Town Hall.