Huntingburg Council Tightens Solar Rules, Resolves Water Plant Issues

At their meeting on Tuesday night, the Huntingburg Common Council and Utility Board advanced tighter oversight on solar projects and addressed water plant defects with a no-cost fix.

As recommended by the Plan Commission, the Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 2026- 14. This amends the city’s UDO to change the classification of Commercial Solar Energy Facilities in agricultural districts from permitted use to a special exception use. After a detailed review of the UDO, the Plan Commission determined that no amendment is necessary for public and institutional districts, because those would already require a special use exception.

The board approved the final adoption of Ordinance 2026-11 for Fernco Shield Guard Connectors. Requested by Wastewater Superintendent Brad Coomer, these are sleeves used in sewer repairs that cover the Fernco connections. Pipes loosen over time as the ground shifts, causing misalignment that leads to clogs, and these guards will help to minimize that.

Ordinance 2026-12 was adopted to amend pool fees as recommended by the Park board. Fee increases reflected costs related to pool operation and the revenue needs of the department to meet those costs.

Energy Superintendent John Reutepohler presented a resolution to enter into another 7-year agreement with the PEFA program. He cited substantial savings in the city’s previous 7-year participation, particularly in the snowstorm at the beginning of this year. The city has been part of the program since 2019 in which Huntingburg contracts with Public Energy Facilities Authority. PEFA pre-purchases gas on the open market at a discount, issues revenue bonds to fund it, and contracts with municipalities to purchase the gas. Resolution 2026-13 was approved to continue in the program.

Water Superintendent Jerry Austin said the department is in flushing season and is focused on fire hydrant placement and valve condition. A few remaining lead service lines have been identified for replacement. Aging water mains continue to be replaced as well, with more critical issues prioritized.

A change order was approved for the water treatment plant. Following the completion of the liner installation in Filters 5 and 7, defects were identified by the Water Department. The installation did not meet expectations or quality standards due to improper application and insufficient quality control. The sub-contractor removed the liner system and will provide a complete replacement at no additional cost. The projected completion date for the project will now be May 31, 2026.

The Patoka Lake Regional and Sewer District conducted a rate study that resulted in a rate increase. This is estimated to result in a 1.3% utility cost increase for customers.

For more information on these and other updates, visit www.huntingburg-in.gov

- By Drew Hasselbring