Crown Point's wastewater rate could soon be going up, but the water rate may go down slightly.
"We are recommending a minimum of 15-percent rate increase over the next two years: eight percent in '22 and seven percent in '23," Financial Solutions Group President Greg Guerrettaz told the city council Monday.
He said the increase is needed to fund ongoing capital improvements and operations — but also to keep the city eligible for low-interest loan programs. And the proposed large-scale expansion project will also require additional funding sources, including the creation of a new TIF district.
Meanwhile, Guerrettaz said the water rate would actually go down slightly, as a result of the state repealing the utility receipts tax. "This is a rate decrease. We're decreasing it 1.4 percent. That's basically 86 cents on 5,000 gallons, and because of House Enrolled Act 1002, we are required to do this," Guerrettaz explained.
Both rate proposals will be discussed more in upcoming city council meetings. Council members did approve an ordinance Monday allowing for bulk water sales from the city's water treatment plant.