Hammond residents can expect to see their sewer bills grow after the Hammond Common Council approved a rate increase Monday.
The Hammond Common Council unanimously approved a $6 increase to the city’s sewer rates, an increase Marty Wielgos, Hammond Sanitary District Manager, said is needed to keep the department running.
“We’re running a business and currently our business is short on funds,” Wielgos said.
The proposal will increase sewer rates for Hammond customers from the current $13.38 monthly usage, based on 5,000 gallons, to $19.95, according to Wielgos, and that $6.57 increase is needed to support the district’s operation.
Aside from continuing to fund operations, Wielgos said the increase will also help restore funds used for maintenance, which had been cut short to keep the department steady.
Munster passed an ordinance adopting the new rate for the Hammond Sewer District, according to Wielgos. Customer communities, including Griffith, Highland and Whiting, have their rates set by contract.
If the city passes the monthly rate increase, going up to $19.95, it will still be below that of neighboring communities, according to information provided to the council. In comparison to Hammond, East Chicago’s rate is $20.60; Crown Point’s is $31.64; Gary’s is $42.50; and Lake Station’s is $53.02.
Resident George Stoya said he was concerned that if people keep hearing about Hammond’s rate being the lowest, the council will think there is room to keep increasing the sewer rates.
“I want to keep it the lowest,” Stoya said.
Resident Mary Ellen Slayzk said the council should consider senior citizens and others on fixed incomes before they approve the rate increase.
“It’s really going to kill a lot of people out there,” Slayzk said. “They just can’t take this hit.”
