Winamac’s water rates will soon be going up. As part of the financial arrangements for the town’s $1.5 million water project, the town council Monday approved a nine-percent increase, or a hike of $3.71 for an average residential customer.
Council members also voted to raise the price of bulk water for those filling tanker trucks to $20 for every 1,000 gallons. At the same time, Winamac plans to earn some extra money by testing its customers’ back-flow prevention devices for an additional fee.
Water Superintendent Jeremy Beckner said that there are very few municipalities that offer the service. The one he found charges $35 for the annual test and a followup, with an additional charge of $50 if it needs to be retested a third time. Council members voted to adopt those rates for Winamac, as well.
The rate increases are just part of the financial arrangements taking place for the town’s water project. The town was recently awarded a $550,000 grant from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs. Much of the rest of the money will be borrowed from the town’s Electric Department, with the rate increases helping to cover the cost of reimbursing the Electric Department over the next 20 years.
During an update on the project, Town Manager Brad Zellers said another well is set to be installed later this fall, while much of the work will start next spring.
