Huntingburg Gas Rate Ordinance Goes Back to the Drawing Board

The board received a thorough briefing from Commonwealth Engineering about two filters from the water treatment plant upgrade that began leaking a couple of years ago. The Council agreed to investigate potential funding sources for the suggested repairs before making a decision in April about whether or not to proceed. 

A public hearing was held on proposed Gas Rate Ordinance No. 2025-04, establishing new scheduled rates and charges for the gas company. Buzz Krohn of Krohn & Associates, the city’s financial advisor, appeared before the Council to discuss the financial challenges being faced by the gas utility. The Council heard that rates have not been adjusted significantly in the last 12 years, resulting in a concerning decrease in revenue. This has necessitated an increase in rates so that they are sufficient to sustain the utility’s operating expenses. 

A lengthy discussion was held where Council members expressed a strong desire to minimize rate increases wherever possible. They also suggested changes to base charges to create more consistent income for the utility and more predictable billing for customers. Krohn agreed to make adjustments to account for the Council’s input, which should result in a more gradual increase for customers.  

As a result of the changes, Mayor Neil Elkins said that the new draft of the Ordinance will not reflect what has been advertised. The board chose not to adopt Ordinance as written and requested to begin again with a new Ordinance. 

Ordinance No. 2025-06 regarding hoarding was adopted, providing more definitions of hoarding and outlining the ways in which it can be regulated for community health and safety. The Ordinance prohibits hoarding and provides guidelines for responding code enforcement officials. 

Clerk-Treasurer Thomas Dippel presented the 2025 Utility Transfer Resolution, which was passed. The Redevelopment Commission report was also presented for review. Dippel presented the TRECS report for delinquent accounts written off of approximately $82,000 in the last 6 years. These debts were sent to TRECS for collection through tax intercept, and approximately $72,000 has been reclaimed to date. 

For more information on these and other updates, visit www.huntingburg-in.gov


 - By Drew Hasselbring