A new ordinance would increase rates and charges for Cambridge City’s water services to cover operational costs.
The last increase was in January 2022. Town leaders say Cambridge City’s rates are among the area’s lowest.
The increase would be phased in over three cycles. Phase I would start Jan. 1, 2027, and Phases II and III would begin on subsequent years on that date.
If approved, residential and commercial clients in town would pay different rates than those charged to Gateway Industrial Park customers.
In-town consumption rates would increase from $6.01 to $7.60 monthly per 1,000 gallons for the first 3,333 gallons, followed by $8.36 in 2028 and $9.11 in 2029. Costs then decrease for the next sets of 6,667 gallons.
Each user pays a minimum monthly charge based on meter size. Those using a ¾ inch meter or less and up to 3,333 gallons would pay $25.33 in 2027, $27.86 in 2028 and $30.36 in 2029. The current minimum in-town water rate is $20.03 plus tax.
Industrial park rates would be $4.88 per 1,000 gallons for the first 15,000 gallons next year, increasing to $5.17 and $5.48. Businesses there also pay monthly service and fire fees based on meter sizes.
Currently, the town pays $385 per fire hydrant per year. Those rentals would increase to $487.05, then $535.75 and $589.35 in subsequent years.
The town hired Indianapolis-based Baker Tilly Advisory Group to conduct the rate study that influenced the ordinance.
The new rates and charges for the town’s municipally owned water utility include sufficient revenues to provide a payment in lieu of taxes from the water fund to the town’s general fund.
Residents can request the opportunity to speak about the ordinance at council’s 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 10, meeting in town hall, 127 N. Foote St., which is open to the public. The full ordinance can be read during business hours at town hall.
For more information, call 765-478-3522.
A version of this article appeared in the July 22 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.
