Huntingburg Water Rate Increases and Crossvine Solar Settlement Approved

At their regular meeting, the Huntingburg Common Council and Utility Board made final decisions on water rate increases and the Crossvine Solar project. 

The meeting opened with a public hearing on the proposed water rate increase. The water rate consultants who prepared and recommended the adjustments were on hand to answer any questions, as was Water Superintendent Jerry Austin. With no questions or comments, the hearing was closed. The Council adopted Water Rate Ordinance No. 2026-15, and increases will be reflected on bills rendered after July 1. 

Ordinance 2026-17 was adopted to establish a $30 fee for the Citizens Firearm Safety Class, which is administered by the police department. Funds collected from the class will be deposited into the law enforcement continuing education fund. 

In a significant agenda item, the board considered approval of the Crossvine/AES Settlement Agreement. Joshua Claybourn, the city's special counsel, provided an assessment of the city’s bargaining position, particularly in terms of litigation. Claybourn said that while Crossvine clearly missed the window to begin work under the terms of the original agreement, they have now refiled with a new application. He explained that, due to the regulations for zoning laws, the moratorium could be viewed as illegal and would likely result in successful litigation by Crossvine. 

The settlement includes concessions including screening and neighbor protections, increased setbacks, incident monitoring equipment, regulation of BESS storage system locations, and investment in emergency services. When the floor was opened for public comment, residents spoke for over an hour about their frustration, and concern for the future. Several speakers and Council members acknowledged the city’s limited authority, while expressing disappointment with the decisions made by the County Commissioners. 

Before the vote, Huntingburg mayor Neil Elkins explained that the city is limited by Indiana law, especially regarding areas outside of Huntingburg’s city limits and its extra-territorial jurisdiction. Acknowledging their dissatisfaction with the situation both personally and professionally, the Council accepted the settlement offer negotiated by Claybourn with Crossvine/AES. The board then adopted Resolution 2026-18, rescinding the Moratorium on Commercial Solar Development Plans and directing the Planning Commission investigate standards and regulations for commercial solar, battery storage systems, and data centers. 

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


- By Drew Hasselbring