Yankeetown Water Customers Reach Boiling Point Over Rate Hikes
By: Kayla Moody
Updated: February 26, 2013
A group of Warrick County residents say they're tired of paying steep rates for water. The tension dates back to a decision the Yankeetown Water Authority made last year. The board decided to sign a 20 year contract with Boonville to purchase processed water. It also voted to take out a $2 million loan to replace the old, leaky pipes in town's failing distribution system. The cost of the loan was spread to ratepayers -- causing a 46-percent rate hike.
Board members say the rate hike was adequately communicated ahead of time through bill statements, letters, and news paper ads. But many customers say they were left in the dark -- and didn't know about the increase until it appeared on their bills.
"When we held the meeting on the rate hike -- only three people were here -- besides the board members," says Jim Sheckell, Vice President of Yankeetown Water Authority.
Deeadra Cook, a customer, says she wasn't aware of the increase until she received several bills upwards of $100. She says her previous bills were around $30. "This is more than a 46-percent increase," says Cook.
Yankeetown water is member-owned. Tuesday members motioned to sell Yankeetown water to a bigger company -- with hope the decision will ultimately lighten the load on rate payer's bills. The board members will come back to the members with bids and estimated rates in 90 days.
Board members say the rate hike was adequately communicated ahead of time through bill statements, letters, and news paper ads. But many customers say they were left in the dark -- and didn't know about the increase until it appeared on their bills.
"When we held the meeting on the rate hike -- only three people were here -- besides the board members," says Jim Sheckell, Vice President of Yankeetown Water Authority.
Deeadra Cook, a customer, says she wasn't aware of the increase until she received several bills upwards of $100. She says her previous bills were around $30. "This is more than a 46-percent increase," says Cook.
Yankeetown water is member-owned. Tuesday members motioned to sell Yankeetown water to a bigger company -- with hope the decision will ultimately lighten the load on rate payer's bills. The board members will come back to the members with bids and estimated rates in 90 days.
