CROWN POINT | With the looming possibility of city sewer bills increasing by 61 percent, resident Karin Mason decided to take action, despite the fact that she doesn't receive city water or sewer.
With the help of a handful of other residents, Mason is circulating a petition against the proposed rate increase that already has about 150 signatures. Mason plans to present the petition to the City Council at its 7 p.m. meeting April 6 in council chambers at City Hall, 101 N. East St. The council is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the issue then.
"People are losing their jobs, their homes," Mason said. "It's bad enough they just got through the winter. Where is this money going to come from? ... You can't increase anything during a recession period."
Mason said even though she doesn't currently receive water and sewer, because she has been annexed into the city she expects she will receive those utilities in the future. She said a domino effect will be created by the increase. For example, a landlord will receive the increase and pass it onto his tenants by increasing their rent.
"I'd be opposed even if the timing was perfect," said Mason, who ran for the Democratic nomination in the city's 2007 mayoral election but lost to Mayor David Uran.
The city's financial adviser told City Council earlier this month the increase is necessary, in part, because Crown Point has lost $1.1 million in sewer tap-in fees due to fewer buildings connecting to the city's system.
The increase would mean a residence using 4,000 gallons will see an increase of $9.59 from $15.72 to $25.31.
Chief of Staff Keith Stevens said he was glad to hear residents were getting involved by circulating a petition, because he believes that's an important part of government.
"The utility is in need of (the increase) for operational expenses," Stevens said. "All of the communities in the county are faced with these things."
He used Lake Station as an example. Earlier this month, the community passed a sewer rate increase that would cause a family using 5,000 gallons of water to pay $35 instead of $21.50.
Stevens said before the city looks at a rate increase, it wants to make sure it has done everything possible ahead of time. He said that is why the mayor is speaking at the forums that discuss a proposed development.
"We want people to understand how all these things work together," he said. "How new growth could help mitigate a rate increase."
Breakout:
To sign the petition against the rate increase, visit Sophie's Alterations, 105 S. Court St., or call Karin Mason at (219) 662-7142 through Tuesday.
