SOUTH WHITLEY - Sewer rates will increase by 50 percent for South Whitley residents following a decision by town council members Tony Starkey, Glee Eberly and Tom Rudd. The town's current rates, which average about $7 per month, are considered extraordinarily low when compared to statewide average rates of $22.77. Clerk Mitch Winger said rates have not increased for five years.The increase allows the municipality to build a capital improvement fund and provides debt service funding for a municipal bond to fund replacement of a 100-year-old sanitary sewer line running the length of State Street. Doubling the rates is recommended by Umbaugh and Associates of Fort Wayne, financial consultants, who have advised the town regarding funding for the project. Monthly rates will average $8 to $10 per month when the increase is in effect. The town has not received firm estimates from Cole and Associates, an engineering firm, regarding the project nor have bids been awarded.
TERESA CARRANO, Times-Union Lifestyles Editor- | July 28, 2016