Huntingburg Gas Rate Ordinance Moves Forward

Tuesday night’s meeting of the Huntingburg Common Council and Utility Board took a significant step forward in approving new rates for the gas utility.

After rejecting the proposed gas rate increases at the last meeting, the Council requested a revised report with alternative increases. Buzz Krohn of Krohn & Associates, the city's financial advisor, presented the new report and introduced the new gas rate ordinance for consideration. This reduced the increase in revenue requested from about 24% to about 16.5%. The proposed residential base charge is $12.50, and all users would pay the same rate of $0.85 per MCF.

The Council discussed a two-step increase, but concerns were raised over the financial consequences of a delay. The ordinance was introduced as presented and will be advertised for a public hearing on April 22. At that time, adjustments to the connect and reconnect fees will also be introduced.

Energy Superintendent John Reutepohler gave a brief overview of the department’s busy schedule, noting that there were no outages during the recent storm. He said that the electric crew finished up at the new addition at the library, rebuilt the electric line on Ferdinand Road Southwest, and took down unused lines at Orchard Ridge. By the park, the department has had to make continual repairs to an area with repeated damage from trees. The board approved a request for the purchase of wire to move the affected wiring underground. They also approved the purchase of a new truck for the department.

Water Superintendent Jerry Austin gave an update on distribution, saying that the department has completed several water main repairs. Hydrant flushing is in progress and is a little over half done. At the filtration plant, the backup standalone generator developed a leak that required repairs. A broken valve for the filtration system failed and was replaced. Austin presented the board with research results regarding materials to coat two leaking filters at the plant, as well as potential costs and funding options. The council voted to allow Commonwealth to proceed with bid documents.

In other business, Transit Director April Blessinger presented a new medical qualification policy, which is a requirement for all transit services. The updates require employees to disclose medications that they may be using, both prescription and over the counter, so that their ability to drive can be determined. was adopted by the Common Council. The policy was reviewed and adopted by the Council. On April 1, the Mayor’s Youth Council will spend some time at the AIM Legislative conference in Indianapolis before meeting with their legislators.

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

- By Drew Hasselbring