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WL Council gives initial approval for sewer project, rate hike; stalls on redistricting

West Lafayette residents may pay about $96 more per year starting in 2014. The money is to finance $14 million in storm water projects over the next 20 years.

Michael Massonne is the Program Manager with engineering company DLZ Indiana. He says the goal is to protect overall water quality.

"This is  a dedicated fund, protected by the city, that funds local projects. Without the dedicated fund with sewer fees, the $14 million in projects would be waiting for other city funding."

Fees are based on impervious area of a residence.  Every 3,200 square feet is charged $8 a month. Storm water funding for West Lafayette currently comes from the city's sanitary program.

The council voted 5-1 in favor on the measure.  Councilor Gerry Keen was absent and Councilor Vicki Burch voted against it, because she says the rates are higher than initially discussed.

The council did not make any progress on proposed district maps. The city is required to update its boundaries by December 31st, but council members have yet to come to an agreement on how they should look.

Councilor Eddie VanBogaert wants smaller, more consolidated districts.

"My priority is having compact districts and keeping neighborhoods intact. If you look at the south part of town, I think Proposal A does a better job of keeping those areas in two districts and really keeping them consolidated."

However, Councilor Vicki Burch believes that proposal is designed with political intentions. The redistricting plan VanBogaert supports would put Burch and Councilor Ann Hunt in the same district.

"I think that the council should have just considered Proposals D and E from the Area Plan Commission, because  they are nonpartisan. I think Proposal A is blatant gerrymandering."

Hunt says she does not plan to run for reelection in 2015, which is when the new districts would take effect.

The council must schedule a special meeting to finalize boundaries. If members cannot come to an agreement by the end of the year, the city faces penalties from the state.

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