Gibson County residents have about a month to comment on a proposed water rate increase.
Haubstadt-based Gibson Water is seeking an increase that would raise a monthly residential water bill for 5,000 gallons from about $40 to more than $45.
The not-for-profit utility is also requesting state authority to issue up to $3.5 million in long-term debt.
The utility says it needs the increases because of higher operating and maintenance costs along with the need for capital improvements – including construction of a parallel transmission line to Evansville.
The Gibson County utility buys all of its water from the City of Evansville, and serves more than 1700 customers.
Its last rate increase was in 1986.
In a news release, the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor says consumers can submit written comments on the OUCC’s website, at in.gov/oucc.
Comments can also be made by mail, email or fax.
The OUCC is accepting the written comments through August 17th.
An evidentiary hearing is planned before the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission October 5th at Indianapolis.
If approved, the increases would go into effect early next year.