Action: A proposition to raise the storm water utility fee passed 7-2 on the first reading, with Councilpersons Jeff Papa and Susana Suarez dissenting. Certain areas within the consolidated town will be reclassified from a rural to an urban service district, bringing police and street services to formerly rural classified areas. The Council discussed a contract with Hamilton Southeastern Utility, a private sanitary utility, which would provide sewage services in the area north of Ind. 32 and a corridor of areas along the road. Additionally, Jerry and Sharon Harris were honored for their 47 years of service to Zionsville.
- What it means: The proposed fee would raise the rate from $3.28 per month to $3.86 per month, in order to fulfill the proposed $646,046 budget; the fee increase would be phased in over a three-year period to allow Zionsville citizens to budget for the fee. All single-family residential parcels will be charged the same amount and undeveloped property will not be charged. Part of the revenue from this fee will be used for outreach purposes that aim to educate the public on proper water usage.
- What’s next: The storm water fee will be discussed further at the next Town Council meeting on September 4.