Although residents expressed some concerns, the City of Westfield did not receive much strong opposition to the potential transfer of ownership of its water and sewer utilities to Citizens Energy Group during the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission public hearing at Westfield High School on April 9.
“We did an aggressive public education campaign with question and answers in March,” Todd Burtron, the city’s chief of staff, said. “There were about 10 different opportunities and all documents are on the website.”
Two dozen people attended, but only four people addressed the council during the 45-minute hearing. David Zapp, chief financial officer of Mike’s Car Wash, spoke first and provided support for Citizens. Mike’s has had a location in Westfield since 1996.
“I can speak to the reliability of Citizens,” he said. “They are very concerned with conservation and what their customers are doing to save energy and water.”
Jose Beyer expressed his apprehension about the ownership of the utilities.
“My concern is the transfer of ownership. The residents take care of it and their main goal is for profit. They have the option to sell to anybody and we might be out of luck,” he said.
Likewise, Westfield resident Robbie Shuck said he was concerned about selling the utility following the hearing.
“Westfield lies on a very large aquifer. It’s one of Westfield’s main sources of money besides taxes,” he said. “I’m concerned about moving the money from our resources. If the city sells, its one-time money. If they keep the utility it makes a certain profit each year.”
Westfield resident Ted Sommer talked about a small section of homes along Anthony Road. While the 18 homes along a one-mile stretch of road do not use the city’s utilities, Sommer is worried about the potential cost he and his neighbors may face if forced to hook-up to main lines.
“I heard costs of $30,000 to $35,000 to hook-up to the intersection,” he said.
Linda Naas, also a Westfield resident but not a city utilities rate payer, spoke on behalf of 161st Street Neighbors. Naas expressed similar concerns as Sommer about rural homes that use septic tanks and wells.
“If we are forced to hook-up to sewer lines and replace septics and wells, we’re not sure what to expect,” she said. “Those of us that are satisfied don’t want to be forced in.”
Know more
Consumers who would like to submit written comments in this case may do so online at www.in.gov/oucc/2361.htm, email to [email protected], or by mail to Consumer Services Staff, Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor, 115 W. Washington St., Suite 1500 South, Indianapolis, IN 46204. Written comments the OUCC receives by the close of business on May 3 will be filed with the commission and included in the case’s formal evidentiary record. Comments should include the consumer’s name, mailing address, and a reference to “IURC Cause No. 44273.” For more information, call 1-888-441-2494.
The process to sell the utilities began in April 2012. On Nov. 5, the Westfield City Council voted 6-1 to transfer its water and wastewater assets to Citizens for $91 million Monday evening. Mayor Andy Cook said the sale was a way for the city to pay off $45 million in water utility debt. The remaining amount will be used to assist Westfield’s transition into a growing city with roundabouts, trails and other infrastructure needs.
Cook said the sale only affects those that currently fall under Westfield utilities.
IURC’s Danielle McGrath, executive director of external affairs, said the OUCC will accept written comments through May 3. On May 8, the OUCC will give its position based on evidence on behalf of the public. The city and Citizens will then have a chance to submit its rebuttal on May 29. Testimony and witness cross examination will take place June 24 through 26. McGrath said the hearing will be open to the public and available online with live streaming. Once a decision has been made by the IURC, a 30-day appeal process begins. In all, McGrath said a decision should be finalized in the fall.