The Hobart Sanitary Board is holding a 5 p.m. meeting Tuesday at City Hall to hear citizen feedback on a proposed wastewater fee increase.
If the board approves the rate increase, estimated to average about $3 a month, the city council would then consider the measure.
Mayor Josh Huddlestun said Monday the city needs the additional revenue to keep its sanitary district solvent and remain in state compliance. He said a metering system will be added to increase efficiency in determining usage, which is based on a per gallon amount.
“We’re an old community, and we’re trying to maintain it and be good stewards,” said Huddlestun who said the city just celebrated the completion of an approximate $45 million worth of improvements to its main lift station.
Improvements to the lift station, built in the 1980s, triggered a rate increase in 2022 when officials said the lift station had reached its usable limit and was becoming a safety issue, if it failed.
Expanding capacity allows the city to increase its capacity allowing the city to grow and develop, Huddlestun said.
The project added new pumps, electrical components, a transformer as well as site improvements around the facility.
A 30-inch diameter force main now connects to the Gary Sanitary District, nearly 5 miles away. The GSD has a contract with Hobart to receive and treat its sewage.
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
