2025 Rate ADJUSTMENTS (Approved by the City Council 7-0 on April 22, 2024)

INTRODUCTION

Effectively managing complex utility systems requires a highly efficient structure of interconnected infrastructure and competent and trained personnel. Deciding upon the most strategic approaches for these purposes requires thoughtful planning and collaboration. This includes a combination of a periodic reevaluation of current operations, infrastructure assessment and customer user fees to support future operations and capital expenditures to meet stringent environmental requirements. To continue to be a leader amongst our peer cities in the State of Indiana, the City of Valparaiso’s utility planning process requires this thoughtful evaluation by the City Administration, Utilities Board of Directors, VCS leadership team and the Common Council.

A certain number of Valparaiso water and wastewater treatment process units and conveyance systems within the City of Valparaiso’s (City) are between 35 to 60 years of age which does not include ground infrastructure of which 1/3 of this infrastructure is greater than 50 years of age and are nearing the end of operational effectiveness. As a part of strategic planning and master plan studies, the Valparaiso City Utilities (VCU) Board of Directors initiated engineering designs in 2022 with their consultants (Arcadis US, Inc., DLZ and Stantec, Inc.) in order to finalize construction plans for major improvements at the City’s water and wastewater utilities.  These efforts are to ensure the ongoing modernization of utility facilities and conveyance systems, environmental sustainability, and regulatory compliance.

As we move forward in finalizing and prioritizing these important capital projects, Valparaiso City Services assembled a team to discuss and determine the long-term infrastructure needs of the City’s water and wastewater systems.   The goal is to continue to provide safe, reliable and uninterrupted services at a competitive cost to our community while supporting responsible growth and maintaining compliance with environmental requirements.

I. Proposed Rate Case Projects & Documents

1. 2022 Public Presentation Documents

A. Water Bond Anticipation Presentation to the City Council

B. Ordinance 29-2022 Fact Sheet Phase II Well Construction

C. Ordinance #29-2022 Waterworks Revenue Bonds

2. Customer Letter with FAQ's and Schedule 2024

3. The Projects

4. Project and Rate Summary

5. Community Rate Comparison

6. Proposed Rates

A. Inside City Limits

B. Outside City Limits

7. Valparaiso City Services Utility Boundaries Map

8. City of Valparaiso Press Release - March 12, 2024

9. Public Presentation March 25, 2024

10. 1st Reading Public Presentation April 8, 2024 

11. Notices of Public Hearings

A. Proposed Sewer Rates and Charges

B. Proposed Water Rates and Charges

12. 2nd Reading Public Presentation and Vote April 22, 2024

SPECIAL NOTE:

Certain City Utilities Water and Sewer Customers:

Certain customers reside in areas where Valparaiso City Services provides either ONLY water, ONLY sewer services, or in some instances a flat rate. Each of the areas listed below may or may not be affected by the proposed rate adjustments, depending on what services are provided and which utility provides these services. Proposed rate adjustments will only be applicable IF Valparaiso City Services are the provider. Generally, account numbers that have exceptions will usually start with an “05” or “06”.

1. Beauty Creek and Windsor Park Customers ARE directly affected for WATER only adjustments.  Aqua provides sewer services.
2. Valparaiso Lake Area Conservancy District DIRECT customers are directly affected for WATER only adjustments.
3. Aberdeen, Eagle Ridge, & Autumn Oaks Customers ARE directly affected for WATER only adjustments.  The Nature works Conservancy District (NWCD) provides sewer services.
4. Damon Run Conservancy District Sewer Customers ARE NOT affected by this rate adjustment proposal.