Gary's Water Woes: Residents and Businesses Brace for Fee Hikes

Gary's city council recently discussed plans to raise wastewater and stormwater fees, sparking concerns among residents and business owners. The proposed changes aim to address long-overdue upgrades to the city's aging infrastructure, but not everyone is on board. The council delayed voting on the fee increases after residents raised questions about the potential impact on small businesses. A public hearing is scheduled for November 17, giving residents another chance to voice their opinions. The fee hikes target non-residential users, including industrial and commercial entities. Commercial users can expect a modest increase of about $15 per month, while industrial users will see a more significant rise due to their higher usage. The city's sanitary district director emphasized the urgency of these upgrades, citing pressure from the EPA and the Department of Justice. With rates unchanged since 2001, the district faces a $155 million price tag for necessary improvements. Stormwater fees are also on the rise, with increases earmarked for infrastructure projects, salaries, security, and maintenance. Industrial buildings will see the highest increases, followed by larger commercial properties. During the meeting, residents expressed worries about the potential fallout for small businesses. Some called for clearer communication from the city, while others urged the council to reconsider the timing and scope of the increases.