A northern Daviess County town is updating their water customers on how and why rates have increased. According to a social media post on the Odon Town Hall Facebook page, the Town Council adopted the changes following a public hearing on June 23.

Officials say the adjustment was necessary to help pay for an $8.2 million water system project that includes a new water tower, upgrades to the water plant, and improved pump stations to address low pressure. Funding includes a $750,000 OCRA grant, a $2.8 million forgivable loan, and a $4.6 million bond through the State Revolving Fund, which requires a rate adjustment for repayment.

The town notes the water plant was originally built in 1990 and has only seen minor updates since then. Previous rate adjustments occurred in 1999, 2015, 2021, and 2022. Officials say the new rates, which took effect in late May, were recommended after months of research and are comparable to similar communities undertaking major water projects.