Leaders in Huntington, Indiana, have put forward a proposal that would raise water bills for residents, sparking concern and frustration among the community. The city argues the increase is necessary to upgrade aging water infrastructure, but many locals worry about the added financial burden.

Proposed Hike Aims to Fund Infrastructure Upgrades

Huntington Mayor Richard Strick announced on Friday that the average household will see an increase of approximately 75 cents per day, amounting to around $23 per month. This change, city officials say, is necessary to fund critical updates to the city’s aging water treatment facilities.

“We recognize that folks are struggling, and it is tough to make ends meet. But we also recognize that the cost of doing nothing is far greater than the potential rate increase we’re looking at,” Strick explained in a city newsletter.

The city has reportedly been evaluating solutions for several years and believes this plan is the most viable path forward. However, not everyone is convinced.

Community Reactions: “It’s Going to Be Harder to Get By”

For many residents, the proposed hike is an unwelcome financial strain. Single mother Angelena Clark voiced her concerns about how the additional cost will affect her household budget.

“It’s gonna make it hard for me to pay all my bills. It’s gonna make it hard for me to be able to do extra things for my kids. I want to be able to put them in sports and do all the extracurricular activities, but it’s hard when you have all your bills and the food increase,” Clark said.

Other residents echoed similar frustrations, pointing out that utilities and living costs have already risen significantly in recent years. While some acknowledge the need for infrastructure improvements, they believe the city should explore alternative funding options.

Public Hearings Scheduled for April

City officials are urging residents to participate in discussions about the proposal before it moves forward. Mayor Strick emphasized the importance of hearing from the community and considering all perspectives.

“Come examine it with us. If somebody has a better solution for it, we would love to hear it. At this point, we have been vetting it for a number of years, we think we have a pretty good plan to move forward and the right partners for it. But now is the time for folks to come and speak their mind so we can hear it and we can explain why we think this is the right decision for the city,” he said.

The city has scheduled two public hearings:

• April 8 at 7 p.m.
• A second hearing later in April (exact date to be announced)

Following these hearings, the City Council will vote on the proposal.

What’s Next?

The final decision rests with the Huntington City Council. If approved, the increase could take effect later this year. However, if public backlash is strong enough, adjustments may be made to lessen the impact on residents.

For now, the city encourages those with concerns to attend the hearings and voice their opinions. As the debate continues, Huntington’s leaders and citizens will have to navigate the difficult balance between financial sustainability and affordability.