Water rates will go up, but not all at once

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City Council approves Utilities Board plan to raise water and sewer rates over a two year period…

The Vincennes Utilities Services Board came back with a revised water and sewer rate proposal for members of the City Council to consider last night.

The fee schedule according to U-S-B President Mike Sievers will spread the rate hike out over a period of two years and still accomplish their goals including upgrades to the City’s Water Plant.

Instead of a 67-percent increase on the water side. Sievers says only 55 percent of the rate hike would be implemented now and the other 12-percent in July of 2018.

On the sewer side, instead of a 42-percent hike, utility customers will see an increase of 34-percent this year.

The Council approved the pro-rated fee schedule unanimously.

Vincennes Mayor Joe Yochum realizes that not everyone is going to be pleased with the rate hike, but hopes spreading out the increase will appease some who’ve raised concerns.

City Councilman Duane Chattin says the only regret he has is that the city wiill be unable to take advantage of low interest rates on the sale of bonds to pay for the project. .

Council approved the bond sale, but like the fee hike it will be spread out over a 24 month period.