WINSLOW, Ind. – Tensions flared at a town hall meeting in Winslow on Monday evening as residents expressed frustration over a proposed increase in water and sewer rates. The meeting, which quickly became heated, saw shouting from both the audience and town council members as concerns about the rate hikes dominated the conversation.
The proposed rate increases include a 45% rise in water rates and a 10% increase in sewer fees. Many residents worry that the hikes could significantly impact their finances, especially those on fixed or low incomes.
Joshua Popp, a former town council president, has been reviewing the proposal and its potential impact. After requesting several documents from the town, Popp calculated that customers who use around 2,000 gallons of water, or less, would see an increase of approximately $13 per month. While some may not find this amount to be a significant burden, Popp noted that for others, it could make a big difference in their monthly budget.
“Some people will be fine. Some people won’t bat an eye at $13. For some people, that might be that dealbreaker,” said Popp, expressing concern over the effect the hike could have on vulnerable residents.
Town council president Joni Stafford defended the proposed increases, stating that they were necessary to fund critical improvements to Winslow’s aging water infrastructure. Stafford emphasized that the town has been trying to keep the increase as low as possible but said that the town’s infrastructure was in dire need of repair.
“We tried to keep it as low as we could, but we felt it’s our responsibility to get us caught up to where we need to be,” Stafford said. “And to be able to have enough revenue and enough working capital to make improvements.”
Despite the council’s reasoning, many residents were left confused by the meeting’s combative atmosphere. Popp, who has been actively researching the rate changes, said that many residents walked away from the meeting without having their questions answered.
The Winslow town council is scheduled to vote on the proposed rate increases on January 27. Popp hopes that between now and the vote, the town can offer more clarity to residents and help them understand the reasoning behind the hike.
“We need more information,” Popp said. “Hopefully, people can get a better understanding of what’s going on before the vote.”
