Forums designed to help residents learn more about City efforts to acquire Aqua Indiana
*Eighth session added from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 14 at the Allen County Public Library, Pontiac Branch
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced the public will have several opportunities to learn more about the City of Fort Wayne's efforts to acquire Aqua Indiana's water utility in southwest Fort Wayne.
Residents will be able to ask questions and obtain information at meetings to be held throughout the community. The seven sessions will be held at locations in all quadrants of the City, at various times, beginning on Wednesday, January 9 and concluding on Thursday, January 17.
The schedule of meetings, which are free and open to the public:
*6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 9 - Southeast Area Partnership, Calvary Third Presbyterian Church, 4700 South Anthony Blvd.
*3-6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 10 - City Fire Station 19, 10116 Covington Rd.
*6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 10 - Northeast Area Partnership, Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 4700 Vance Ave.
*11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12 - Allen County Public Library-Aboite Branch, 5630 Coventry Ln.
*4-7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 14 - Allen County Public Library-Pontiac Branch, 2215 Hanna St.
*7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16 - Southwest Area Partnership, Fort Wayne Sport Club, 3102 Ardmore Ave.
*10 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 17 - Allen County Public Library-Downtown, 900 Library Plaza
*6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 17 - Northwest Area Partnership, Northridge Baptist Church, 1300 E. Cook Rd.
In November 2012, Mayor Henry announced the City would move forward to condemn Aqua's water utility. An ordinance to begin the condemnation process was introduced at City Council last month. A public hearing on the ordinance is scheduled for City Council's meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 22 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Citizens Square.
Since Mayor Henry took office in 2008, he has been committed to finding a solution to water challenges faced by residents in the Aqua service area. Mayor Henry strongly supports efforts to provide residents with reliable and high quality water at an affordable price.
During this past summer's drought, Fort Wayne City Utilities assisted Aqua by providing water to approximately 1,300 customers due to Aqua's inability to meet water needs and demands. Assistance from City Utilities might be necessary again if peak demands experienced this past summer return again.
Aqua currently serves 12,000 water customers in southwest Fort Wayne, with 70% of those customers residing inside City limits. To date, more than 20 neighborhood associations served by Aqua have separately submitted petitions requesting a change to City Utilities. By switching to water service provided by City Utilities, the average Aqua customer would save $160-$220 annually based on current and projected rates.