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SOUTH WHITLEY – Following the public hearing ahead of Tuesday night's meeting, the South Whitley Town Council voted to increase the town's electric rate by 21 percent, effective in May.
The average residential bill, for 1,000 kWh of usage per month, is currently $99.37; with the increase, the new average bill will be $120.20.
Kimberlee Savick, municipal advisory manager at Baker Tilly, presented the executive summary of the electric utility rate study and answered questions of those in attendance. During the public hearing, individuals present were allowed up to three minutes to ask questions and voice their concerns.
Savick compared account balances to minimum recommended balances, as the utility has been running at a deficit. As of Dec. 31, 2024, the year-end total for the utility was $161,968. The minimum recommended balance is $417,369.
Savick said the recommended reserve is calculated by two months' operating expenses plus one month of purchased power. The additional funding from the rate increase will first be used to build up cash balances over a period of three years.
Shelley Monticue, deputy treasurer of Whitko Community Schools, asked if the council had considered how the rate increase will affect the schools. Monticue said the school annually pays $143,000 in electric bills to the town, and with the rate increase, would pay $30,000 more.
Another resident asked how the town would be affected if the utility remained at a deficit. Savick said the increase would be higher if the state would have to step in and compensate for the loss in funding.
Councilman Randy Cokl gave a brief history of the town's electric utility, as prior to 2014 the town was hiring their own linemen and losing them to other, higher-paying positions. In 2014, the town brokered their service to IMPA, who has provided "dedicated service," Cokl said, bringing in their own staff and trucks and taking care of power outages.
Savick provided an average monthly bill comparison, which showed South Whitley on the lower end of most bills across Indiana. With a new monthly bill of $120.20, the council compared this to the provided average of $135.96 in Grabill with REMC, $136.66 in Columbia City, $164.71 in Converse with Duke Energy and $179.72 in Andrews with NIPSCO.
"I think we're competitive with other towns," Cokl said.
Council closed the public hearing after voting to adopt the increase on second reading. Copies of the ordinance are available for the public's review at the clerk's office.
During the regular meeting, council tabled wastewater project contracts for further review.
Council discussed the offer to purchase the old bank building on State Street. The offer remains under discussion with property owner Tony Starkey.
Town Marshal Chad Schipper said the police department is developing a Facebook page to put out relevant information, which will be coming soon. Commenting will not be enabled for this page.
Clerk-Treasurer Alyssa Knepple said there are seven downtown vendors for garage sale weekend, April 24–25.
Council President Brock Waterson said the Subway building is available for lease and those interested should contact realtor Pam Waller.
Council also:
• Voted to appoint Jane Cripe to the redevelopment commission.
• Heard a question about a tree leaning into a service line at 406 N. Calhoun St.
• Approved sewer adjustments for two households totaling $644.43.
• Reminded the public that bulk trash pickup is Saturday, May 2.
Council will next meet at 6:30 p.m. April 28.
