Darlington may see +100% utility cost

Aqua Indiana purchased Darlington's water utility in 2006. It made improvements to the utility such as new fire hydrants, new water mains and a refurbished tank for water storage. The improvements cost more than $600 thousand, and Aqua needs to increase its rates to recover some of those costs. But many residents say the rate increase Aqua wants is too high.

"To recover this in such a short time with a small community with the economy the way it is at this point is asking quite a lot," said clerk-treasurer Judy Anderson.

Every seat was filled at the American Legion Hall as residents of Darlington expressed their concerns to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission about a proposed water rate increase.

"With the increased sewer, the electric and the water bills in this town, I'm afraid that you're going to make this into a ghost town," said concerned resident Ed Deck.

Aqua Indiana's Vice President Tom Bruns said he agrees the rate increase is steep, and that it comes at a bad time with Darlington's sewer rates are also increasing. But he said his company has no choice.

"I think the residents after the initial shock can work through those issues. I don't think this will become a ghost town," said Bruns. "We absolutely have to raise rates to make the system profitable and to pay back the investment we made."

But residents say the higher rates will be detrimental to the town.

"It's gotten to the point where you can't give a home at Darlington. Part of the impact is because of the increased utilities," said resident Betty Smith.
Other residents say they understand the need for an increase in water rates.

"They've improved our water system and we do appreciate that, we're not trying to cut them out of their money, they really do deserve extra money," said Anderson.

"This is a big increase and we recognize that but it's also a system that hasn't had any increases at all since 1991 and it really should have at this point," said Bruns.

The IURC will use the statements from tonight's hearing to determine if it will grant Aqua Indiana's request for the increase. It is not known when they will make their decision. Bruns said Aqua Indiana wants to work with the Darlington and said it may consider splitting the rate increase over the next couple of years instead of implementing it all at once.