(La Porte, IN) - Water and sewer rates in La Porte are officially going up.  Last night, the city council unanimously approved an increase in fees of about 30-percent for residents and a higher percentage for commercial and industrial users by 2024.  The increases are expected to begin in 2021 and will incrementally increase annually through 2024.  

The funds from the increased bills will be used to pay for major water and sewer work to upgrade the aging system.

Mayor Tom Dermody said nobody wants to increase fees. Still, there is more than $100 million in needed maintenance and upgrades to the aging water and sewer system, and existing revenue streams are not adequate to pay the cost.  Dermody said upcoming projects include relief from flooding at homes in the letter and number streets by separating combined sewers, which cause back-ups during heavy rain events.