Francesville residents will have a chance to discuss rate increase

A public hearing is set for Aug. 3 to allow Francesville residents a chance to voice their concerns or ask questions regarding the proposed wastewater rate increase.

The Francesville Town Council has been working for more than a year to upgrade the sewer system and find financing for it.

In order to find the funding, the town has applied for a grant. Through the first grant process the application was dinged because the town has not had a rate increase. The town has applied for the grant again and is initiating a rate increase.

Over the past several months, town council members have debated how much the increase should be. During the first grant process, a suggested rate increase was made by the accountant firm that helped with the grant application.

At the June 15 meeting, it was estimated that the increase in the rates would bring a bill to more than $26.

The proposed rate increase for a single family dwelling unit will cost a total of $39.35. The total bill currently for a single family dwelling is about $20.35.

The sewage rates are based on the amount of water that is used on or in the property. The quantity of water used is measured by the water meter plus a base charge on the size of the water meter.

The new rate may not be applied until later this year, after the public hearing and the rate increase ordinance has been approved.