Utility Service Board 8.25.26

The City of Lawrence Indiana Utility Service Board held a meeting on August 25, 2026, focusing primarily on sewer and water rate studies and related capital improvement projects. Representatives from Baker Tilly and American Structure Points presented detailed financial analyses and funding options for EPA-mandated sewer projects and water utility improvements. The board reviewed multiple bond financing alternatives for sewer infrastructure, including 20-year, 31-year wrap, and 35-year bonds, weighing the trade-offs between monthly rate impacts and total interest costs. The board recommended the 20-year bond option for sewer projects, citing significant interest savings and future financial flexibility. For the water utility, the board considered two rate increase options and a potential $6 million bond issuance to fund capital improvements while minimizing rate increases. The board approved a motion to recommend the bond issuance option to the city council to keep water rates lower. Additional administrative items included approval of payment claims and a sewer service line leak adjustment. The meeting concluded with no citizen comments or remonstrations.