Shift in fees for hydrants weighed: Officials suggest water bills, not taxes cover costs

Franklin residents could see an increase in their water bills if the city decides to pass on a fee that is currently paid for with tax dollars.

The city of Franklin currently pays the water hydrant fee with property taxes in the city’s general fund budget, but officials are discussing passing the fee on to residents, which would show up as an additional $4.12 a month on their water bills from the Indiana American Water Co.

The city also would continue charging residents the same amount in property taxes, which had been used to cover the fee.

The Franklin City Council is considering having residents take on the hydrant fee as a way to save money in the city’s general fund budget, which covers the police, fire, cemetery and other city departments, Mayor Joe McGuinness said.

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