Development News for Shelbyville, Indiana

Shelbyville Approves Wastewater Rate Adjustments with Annual Increases

The Common Council of the City of Shelbyville, Indiana, held a second reading and approved Ordinance Number 26-3056, concerning wastewater rate adjustments. The ordinance was necessary because current rates were insufficient to cover operations, maintenance, and projected revenue bond payments. A financial report from Reedy Financial Group PC confirmed the inadequacy of existing rates. The approved ordinance will increase wastewater rates by 1.25% annually, beginning January 1, 2028. A differentiated fee structure for fats, oils, and grease (FOG) disposal will be implemented based on whether the entity is within or outside the county. The new rates will take effect after passage and mayoral approval, and will be applied to the August 2026 billing cycle. The ordinance passed with a 6-0 vote.

Resident Questions Data Center Approval Amidst Litigation and Health Concerns

During the public comment period, Sarah Myers, a resident whose family has lived in Shelbyville for generations, expressed shock that the data center project was being pushed through the city council despite 9,000 signatures from citizens. She inquired if citizens could vote against it and what benefits it would bring to the community. The Mayor stated that due to ongoing litigation, the council could not comment on the data center at this time. When asked about the financial benefits, the response was 'zero,' though another individual stated it was '$7 million.' Myers expressed concern that people would 'die from this going up in our community.'

Shelbyville City Council Approves Stormwater Rate Adjustments

The Common Council of the City of Shelbyville, Indiana, conducted a second reading and approved Ordinance Number 26-3057, which adjusts stormwater rates. The Board of Works and Public Safety received a report from Reedy Financial Group PC indicating that current stormwater utility rates and charges are insufficient to cover operations, maintenance, and capital improvements. The ordinance amends Section 106 of Chapter 50 of the city's code of ordinances to set forth a new schedule of rates. The monthly stormwater utility user fee per Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) for developed properties within the city will be $8.08. The ordinance allows for future amendments to this charge by the council. For non-residential properties, the fee will be computed by multiplying the number of ERUs by the rate per ERU. Undeveloped properties will be charged one-third of the appropriate non-residential rate. This ordinance will take effect after passage and mayoral approval, with the new rates applied to the August 2026 billing cycle. The vote was 6-0.