Water hike plan clogs City Hall

LAKE STATION | Dozens of residents on Thursday packed the City Council meeting to learn more about a proposed 35 percent increase in their water rate.

Residents, most of whom said they are not happy with the quality of the city's water system, peppered city officials with questions during a public hearing that lasted more than two hours.

One resident chastised city officials for waiting so long to raise rates when smaller increments every few years would have been preferable.

"It would have been an easier swallow," she said.

Although the majority voiced opposition to such a large increase given the economy, a few said they'd be willing to pay more if the result meant better quality water.

Resident Roger Coots, one of those who sought information from city officials, said he's tired of the poor quality of water and all the expenses related to it.

"But if a 35 percent increase is going toward a clean water system, I'm for it," Coots said.

The proposed rate increase of about 35 percent was given initial approval last month by the City Council.

The City Council vote on the increased rate was expected to come after The Times' press deadline.

Mayor Keith Soderquist said that under the proposed rate increase, those using up to 2,000 gallons per month would pay $15.90 per month; those using up to 5,000 gallons, $27.36; and those using up to 8,000 gallons, $39.16.

Currently, those same customers are paying $12.41 per month for up to 2,000 gallons of water, $21.36 for up to 5,000 gallons and $30.57 for up to 8,000 gallons.

Soderquist said the water fees were calculated after officials examined rates paid by those in the state and in nine region communities.

He said the proposed rates are well below the state average and, in most cases, less than what is paid in most communities in Northwest Indiana.

Soderquist said this is the first rate increase since 2004.