Jasper Utility Service Board Addresses Rates, Projects, and Personnel

At their last meeting, the Jasper Utility Service Board moved forward with key infrastructure improvements, employee pay increases, and proposed water rate changes. 

Gas and Water Manager Tim Doersam told the board that the annual gas leak survey is underway and should be complete by next week. Hydrant flushing is also in progress and should be complete by the end of this week. Beaver Lake drain will open on November 16th for winter drawdown. The board approved a proposal at an amount not to exceed $7,900 from Christopher Burke Engineering to survey the dam crest elevation and slope stability calculations. This comes from last year’s inspection, and Doersam noted that it was important to assess the stability of the slope. 

In his Wastewater Report, Manager Ed Hollinden requested permission to purchase a new generator for the 400 West Lift Station. A fire in April damaged the current generator, and repair attempts have been complicated because the needed parts are obsolete. The USB approved the purchase of the new generator from Evapar for $52,600 with SourceWell pricing. 

Business Office Manager Ashley Kiefer received approval for a GoGov contract renewal of $5,292 for a notification app. Utilities will pay 50% of the cost, totaling $2,646. The board approved Resolution #USB 2026-8, Recommending Salaries and Wages for 2027. The resolution includes an increase of 4% across the board for all city employees for the coming year. 

General manager Rob Young presented the water rate study results to the board, including a history of tits development. A comprehensive Water Asset Management Plan was developed with a 20-year outlook. The AMP was submitted to Baker Tilly, which developed a more fiscally conservative plan. The board approved Resolution #USB 2026-9, recommending water rates and charges, which will be presented to the City Council this week for its first reading. The USB also voted in favor of the IMPA rate study increase, noting that IMPA’s member communities have the lowest rates in the state in comparison to investor-owned utilities.  

For more information on these and other updates, visit jasperindiana.gov or JasperGov-Indiana on Facebook.


- By Drew Hasselbring