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Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry has passed away after a brief battle with cancer.

Council Sidelines Sewer Rate Hike Proposal For One Week

Zach Bernard/WBOI News

A sewer rate hike proposed by Fort Wayne’s City Utilities was placed on hold for one week by City Council Tuesday night.

That hike would increase the average customer’s bill 5% each of the next five years, and City Utilities considers it one of the final legs of a 2008 court order known as the “consent decree.”

The result was a massive $380 million commitment through 2025 to not only come into compliance with the order, but also focus attention on the long-term health of the rivers, and residents themselves.

Following three public meetings, City Utilities made its formal proposal to Council with mixed results: some residents emphasized possible fines and long-term consequences if the commitments aren’t met, while others asked for the city to find a different way of paying for them.

4th District Republican Jason Arp called for the hold, suggesting the city use PILOT funds -- payment in lieu of taxes, which goes into Fort Wayne’s general fund -- to cover the costs instead.

“This is a very large decision; we’re talking about $300 million, that’s as much as the entire city services budget for the entire year. And we’ve got only two bills to make that decision tonight,” Arp said.

While $12 million in PILOT funds were taken in last year, those dollars have already been budgeted as part of the 2020 fiscal year since October. It’s unclear if those funds can be re-routed, and if so, how.

At-large Democratic councilwoman Michelle Chambers questioned why, in the 12th year of the consent decree, these questions were being asked at the last minute.

“You’ve been looking at this decree situation for several years now, so why would we tonight try change the financing structure when you’ve all been aware of this coming for some time now?” Chambers asked. 

Nonetheless, Council voted 5-3 in favor of finding that answer. City Utilities representatives said bond hearings to determine future rates will take place in March, placing some urgency on the need for a decision, so it will be addressed again during next Tuesday’s meeting.

Zach joined 89.1 WBOI as a reporter and local host for All Things Considered, and hosted Morning Edition for the past few years. In 2022, he was promoted to Content Director.
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