St. John considers water, sewer rate increases St. John Town Hall. John J. Watkins, file, The Times ST. JOHN — The town is considering a 30% increase to its water rate and a 10% increase to its sewer rate. During a study session Wednesday, the St. John Town Council introduced and discussed the hikes, which
St. John considers water, sewer rate increases
St. John Town Hall.
ST. JOHN — The town is considering a 30% increase to its water rate and a 10% increase to its sewer rate.
During a study session Wednesday, the St. John Town Council introduced and discussed the hikes, which will be considered at its regular meeting later this month.
The discussion comes after the town asked residents to be mindful of their water usage in August after town officials raised concerns over a fast drop in water at one of the town’s towers, according to a previous Times report.
“Our water usage continues to grow, not just in the matter of as the residents grow, our water usage continues to grow, but I think it’s growing at an average (of) about 40 million gallons per year, over the last few years,” Town Council President Gerald Swets said.
“Every summer, we get into summer sprinkling time, where we take care of watering the grass, watering the flowers, and we spend about a half a million dollars a year buying water from Schererville because we just use so much more water in the summertime than we do in the winter.”
To meet the increased water usage, Swets said, the town is considering upgrading its water distribution system.
Swets said the town would take out an $8 million bond to complete the work, including a new supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system, which monitors the town’s distribution system; improving the town’s water systems, including wells and lift stations; upgrading water mains; and potentially installing two new wells on the east side of St. John.
Swets noted the council’s goal is to keep tax dollars down, but the town has “a lot” of water mains and sewers that need to be upgraded and replaced.
“I think this was probably one of the most responsible ways for us to be able to get this done within the town,” Swets said. “Again, without raising your taxes. Yes, there’s going to be a water rate increase, but I don’t really think that’s that significant.”
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Eric Walsh, a municipal advisor with Baker Tilly, said the sewer rate increase will generate $300,000 annually for “needed capital and infrastructure replacement,” with $400,000 created from the water increase, outside of large projects St. John is considering.
While the generation might start at $300,000, the town will begin to “eat into that amount,” as the cost of treating sewers and the number of employees increase, Walsh said.
Walsh later added the increase will get the town through a minimum of five years.
In a Facebook post, Clerk-Treasurer Beth Hernandez broke down what the increase would look like for residents.
Currently, the town’s water rate for the first 100,000 gallons is $3.26 per 1,000 gallons, and $1.63 per 1,000 gallons for over 100,000 gallons.
The proposed water rate would increase the rates to $4.24 and $2.12, respectively.
On the sewer side, the town’s current rate is $3.51 per 1,000 gallons for the first 2,500 gallons, and $4.95 per 1,000 gallons for over 2,500 gallons.
The ¾-inch meter rate is $6.55, and a 1-inch meter rate is $14.85.
As presented, the town’s rate would increase to $3.86 per 1,000 gallons for the first 2,500 gallons, and $5.45 per 1,000 gallons for over 2,500 gallons.
The ¾-inch meter rate would be $7.21, and a 1-inch meter rate would be $16.34.
The council is expected to vote on the increase at 7 p.m. April 28. The meeting will be held in person and streamed on the town’s YouTube channel, Town of St. John, Indiana.
WATCH NOW: The Times Photos of the Week
WATCH NOW: The Times Photos of the Week
Discovery Channel Dillinger reenactment
Actors serving as extras mill around the from of the old Lake Couty Jail and Sheriff’s house Monday as crews for The Discovery Channel work to film a reenactment of the John Dillinger escape scene from the old Lake County Jail and Sheriff’s House for its program, Expedition Unknown.
Discovery Channel Dillinger reenactment
Actors Christ McConnel, second from , who portrays John Dillnger, and Michael Morrow, far right wait to film a reenactment of the John Dillinger escape scene from the old Lake County Jail and Sheriff’s House for its program, Expedition Unknown.
Discovery Channel Dillinger reenactment
Donnie Griffin, 2 looks at antique cars Monday in Crown Point with his grandmother, Phyllis Kalajian. The cars were being used in an reenacment being filmed for The Discovery Channel of the John Dillinger escape scene from the old Lake County Jail and Sheriff’s House for its program, Expedition Unknown.
Discovery Channel Dillinger reenactment
Roger Pace, of Crown Point gets a helping hand with his top button as prepares for his part portraying a police officer in The Discovery Channel’s filming of a rennactment of the John Dillinger escape scene from the old Lake County Jail and Sheriff’s House for its program, Expedition Unknown.
Andrean hosts Boone Grove in softball
Andrean’s Caleigh Doffin pitched a perfect game against Boone Grove Monday.
Andrean hosts Boone Grove in softball
Andrean’s Val Sojka gets a high five from third-base coach Rick Baker after her grand slam home run.
Andrean hosts Boone Grove in softball
Andrean’s Julia Schutz is tagged out by Boone Grove pitcher Anna Zoll as she tries to slide into home plate.
Andrean hosts Boone Grove in softball
Andrean’s Leah Navarro beats the tag by Boone Grove’s Erica Hoffman on a stolen base attempt.
FEMA mass vaccination site opening at Roosevelt
Indiana State Health Commissioner Dr. Kristina Box, left, stands by as Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb takes questions from the news media about the COVID-19 vaccination site here at Gary’s Roosevelt High School.
FEMA mass vaccination site opening at Roosevelt
Indiana State Health Commissioner Dr. Kristina Box, left, along with Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb take questions from the news media about the COVID-19 vaccination site at Gary’s former Roosevelt High School.
FEMA mass vaccination site opening at Roosevelt
Indiana Air National Guard Tech Sgt. Michelle Johansen administers a COVID-19 vaccination Tuesday to Gary resident Esther Lewis at the former Roosevelt High School building. The site is host to a mass vaccination clinic through June that will give up to 2,000 shots per day.
FEMA mass vaccination site opening at Roosevelt
Whiting resident Debra Rossodivito receives her COVID-19 vaccination from Indiana Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Trevor Dunn on Tuesday in Gary.
Municipal Voting in Burnham, IL
Burnham Mayor Robert Polk greets voters as they head to the polls to cast their ballots Tuesday.
Municipal Voting in Burnham, IL
Joyce Bischoff, of Burnham, puts her ballot in a ballot box Tuesday at the Burnham Village Hall.
Municipal Voting in Burnham, IL
Campaign workers set up shop looking for last-minute support for their candidates Tuesday at Burnham Village Hall, polling place for Thornton Township precincts 1 and 85.
Municipal Voting in Burnham, IL
Burnham mayoral candidate Antwon Russell talks to resident Joyce Bischoff Tuesday outside Burnham Village Hall as voting in the Illinois municipal elections takes place.
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Crown Point pitcher Will Pettit pitches in the fourth inning Tuesday against Lake Central at Crown Point.
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Crown Point catcher Carter Cleve tags out Lake Central’s Hunter Snyder for the last out of the third inning Tuesday at Crown Point High School.
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Crown Point’s Cal Curiel avoids Lake Central’s Matt Santana,who slides into second base in the fourth inning Tuesday at Crown Point.
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Crown Point’s Anthony Sainato crosses home plate on a passed ball in the first inning Tuesday against Lake Central at Crown Point High School.
My Brother’s Keeper in Gary, special delivery
Dr Sudhish Chandra, left, of the Indian Medical Association of Northwest Indiana with Lake County Sheriff, Oscar Martinez as members of Indian Medical Association gathered to delivered goods Tuesday to My Brother’s Keeper in Gary.
My Brother’s Keeper in Gary, special delivery
Volunteers distribute t-shirts and other items Tuesday to residents at Brother’s Keeper in Gary.
Brother’s Keeper delivery
Dr. Sudhish Chandra, president of the Indian Medical Association of Northwest Indiana, gives a pair of reading glass to a resident at Brother’s Keeper, a homeless shelter in Gary.
Mass Vaccinations, old Roosevelt School, Gary
Indiana National Guard troops direct traffic Wednesday at the former Roosevelt High School in Gary, where about 2,000 coronavirus vaccines a day will be provided through June 2.
Mass Vaccinations, old Roosevelt School, Gary
Vehicles snake around the parking lot Wednesday at the former Roosevelt College and Career Academy near 25th Avenue and Harrison Street in Gary, which will serve as a mass coronavirus vaccination site until June 2. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome.
Mass Vaccinations, old Roosevelt School, Gary
Indiana residents line up Tuesday at the old Roosevelt High School for drive-through COVID-19 vaccinations. through a mass vaccination effort organized by FEMA through which they plan to vaccinate over 2,000 people daily.
Black Lives Matter protest outside the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office
During a protest at the Lake County Government Center, Joan Vandermeulen, of Schererville, holds a sign seeking justice for Melvin Bouler.
Black Lives Matter protest outside the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office
Flanked by Alabama attorneys Robert Beeman II, left, and Roderick Cooks, right, Eric Bouler speaks Wednesday during a protest for justice for his father, Melvin Bouler, at the Lake County Government Center.
Black Lives Matter protest outside the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office
Kwaben Rasuli holds a photo of the bullet holes in Melvin Bouler’s car while Lorrell Kilpatrick holds a photo of Melvin Bouler during a protest for justice for Melvin Bouler on Wednesday at the Lake County Government Center.
Black Lives Matter protest outside the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office
Lorrell Kilpatrick from Black Lives Matter NWI-Gary speaks Wednesday during a protest for justice for Melvin Bouler at the Lake County Government Center.
Quimari Peterson, boys basketball player of the year
West Side senior Quimari Peterson poses for a portrait in the school’s gymnasium. Peterson was chosen as The Times of Northwest Indiana’s 2021 Boys Basketball Player of the Year.
Quimari Peterson, boys basketball player of the year
West Side senior Quimari Peterson poses for a portrait on the gym’s cougar logo at center court. Peterson is The Times of Northwest Indiana’s 2021 Boys Basketball Player of the Year.
Quimari Peterson, boys basketball player of the year
West Side senior Quimari Peterson dribbles along the gym’s signature cougar paw prints that follow the basketball sidelines. Peterson was chosen as The Times of Northwest Indiana’s 2021 Boys Basketball Player of the Year.
Jessica and Johnny Carrothers
Crown Point junior Jessica Carrothers, left, passes a basketball to brother Johnny at the Lake County Fairgrounds. Jessica was selected as The Times of Northwest Indiana’s 2021 Girls Basketball Player of the Year., and earned a 4A state championship with the Bulldogs. Johnny Carrothers and his Andrean 59ers boys basketball teammates earned a 2A crown in 2019.
Jessica Carrothers, girls basketball player of the year
Crown Point junior Jessica Carrothers dribbles in front of the Crown Point Covered Bridge at the Lake County Fairgrounds. Carrothers was selected as The Times of Northwest Indiana’s 2021 Girls Basketball Player of the Year.
Jessica Carrothers, girls basketball player of the year
Crown Point junior Jessica Carrothers spins a basketball as she poses for a portrait at the Lake County Fairgrounds. Carrothers was selected as The Times of Northwest Indiana’s 2021 Girls Basketball Player of the Year.
Lake Central vs. Chesterton
Lake Central’s Peyton Pepkowski pitches in the fourth inning against Chesterton on Wednesday in St. John.
Lake Central vs. Chesterton
Lake Central’s Kiley Conner makes a catch in right field in the third inning against Chesterton on Wednesday in St. John.
Lake Central vs. Chesterton
Lake Central’s Amanda Aardema chases down a ball hit by Chesterton in the sixth inning Wednesday in St. John.
Lake Central vs. Chesterton
Lake Central’s Sydney Doloszycki heads to third base on a throwing error in the fifth inning against Chesterton on Wednesday in St. John.
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Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana revealed its guitar marquee sign on Thursday. The 37-foot-tall sign is modeled after Joe Jackson’s “guitar that changed the world.”
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A guitar that once belonged to Joe Jackson, the patriarch of one of the world’s iconic musical families, will be displayed inside Gary’s Hard Rock Casino as part of the music memorabilia collection.
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Giovanni Taliaferro, director of memorabilia design for Hard Rock International, told a story about Joe Jackson’s guitar Thursday at the Hard Rock Northern Indiana Casino.
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The 37-foot-tall guitar marquee sign is modeled after Joe Jackson’s “guitar that changed the world.”
Munster visits nationally-ranked Crown Point
Gianna Fantin slides home for Crown Point’s first run.
Munster visits nationally-ranked Crown Point
Munster’s Paige Vukadinovich is tagged out by Crown Point’s Kaleigh Klingberg.
Munster visits nationally-ranked Crown Point
Munster’s Samantha Sellers tries unsuccessfully to throw out a Munster runner at first.
Munster visits nationally-ranked Crown Point
Crown Point’s Anna Holloway tags out Munster’s Char Lorenz at second.
Valparaiso vs. Munster at RailCats high school challenge
Valparaiso’s Dillon Rodriguez dives back to first base to avoid the pickoff on Friday at U.S. Steel Yard in Gary.
Valparaiso vs. Munster at RailCats high school challenge
Munster’s dugout cheers after Valparaiso pitcher Cameron Milroy recorded a ball on Friday at U.S. Steel Yard in Gary.
Valparaiso vs. Munster at RailCats high school challenge
Valparaiso’s Michael Zajac is hit by a pitch on Friday at U.S. Steel Yard in Gary.
Valparaiso vs. Munster at RailCats high school challenge
Munster’s Zach Beerling, left, misses a catch as Valparaiso pinch runner Grant Comstock slides into third base on Friday at U.S. Steel Yard in Gary.
Oak Forest at TF South
TF South quarterback Isiah Lewis tries to shed Oak Forest’s London Littlejohn on a keeper in the first quarter at TF South on Friday.
Oak Forest at TF South
TF South’s Keaden Beach is wrapped up by Oak Forest’s Ricky Gonzalez, Eddie Faltynek and Preston Petrusek on a 4-yard reception in the third quarter at TF South on Friday.
Oak Forest at TF South
TF South’s Isiah Lewis talks with head coach Bob Padjen as they walk off the field after Oak Forest’s two point conversion attempt in the third quarter at TF South on Friday.
Oak Forest at TF South
TF South’s Ernest Temple tries to break free from Oak Forest’s Caden Muselman on a run in the second quarter at TF South on Friday.
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