A hearing on a proposed water rake hike for customers of Eastern Bartholomew Water Corp., will be held close to home.

The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor announced today that there would be a hearing in Taylorsville on May 18th to gather customer comments on the proposed rate hike.

The water utility, which serves about 5,000 customers in eastern Bartholomew, Jennings and Decatur counties, hopes to raise its rates by almost 50 percent, according to the consumer counselor. That increase would cover bonds so the utility can replace two water treatment facilities that were bought used in the 1970s, as well as other work.

The average home customer would see their water bill increase from about $23 dollars a month to almost $34.

The town of Hope is one of the water utility’s largest customers and town officials there said they plan to testify against the rate hike.

The hearing is set for 7 p.m. on the evening of Thursday, May 18th at the Taylorsville Elementary cafeteria. Those that attend will be able to make their voices heard directly to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, which will decide on the rate hike later this summer.

You can also submit comments:

Online via the OUCC’s Website at www.in.gov/oucc/2361.htm

By mail to: Consumer Services Staff, Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor, 115 W. Washington St., Suite 1500 South, Indianapolis, IN 46204

By e-mail to: uccinfo@oucc.IN.gov

By fax to: 317-232-5923

Comments should include the consumer’s name, mailing address, and a reference to “IURC Cause No. 44903.” Written comments the OUCC receives by June 14, 2017 will be filed with the Commission to be included in the case’s formal evidentiary record.

Consumers with questions about submitting written comments may call the OUCC toll-free at 1-888-441-2494.

Case updates are being posted on the OUCC’s website at www.in.gov/oucc/2507.htm .