City of Mishawaka Announces Unanimous Passage of MUWW Rate Plan

A Forward-Looking Investment in Reliability, Sustainability, Safety, and Long-Term Stability
By Matthew Lentsch, MPA – Executive Director of Development & Government Affairs

On November 17, 2025, the Mishawaka Common Council unanimously approved the Mishawaka Utilities Wastewater (MUWW) Rate Plan—an essential step to ensure the long-term strength, resilience, and sustainability of one of our community’s most critical public services.

This decision came after months of analysis, discussion, public meetings, and detailed presentations. I want to thank the Common Council for their diligence, professionalism, and leadership. Their unanimous vote reflects both courage and a clear understanding of what responsible governance requires—planning ahead, investing wisely, and protecting our citizens from far more significant costs down the road.

What This Rate Plan Means for Mishawaka Citizens

The approved MUWW rate plan is not simply an adjustment to the utility bill—it is a strategic investment in the future of our city. The benefits will be felt in multiple, important ways:

1. Modernizing Aging Infrastructure

Mishawaka’s wastewater infrastructure is decades old. Much of it has reached or exceeded its useful life. With this rate plan, we are now able to replace failing components before they break, preventing costly emergency repairs and protecting homes, businesses, and our natural waterways.

2. Meeting State and Federal Requirements

As we continue discussions with IDEM, EPA, and the Department of Justice regarding our Long-Term Control Plan (LTCP) and consent decree obligations, this rate plan strengthens our position. Proper funding allows us to make measurable progress on Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) reduction—ensuring compliance and reducing the risk of significant federal penalties.

3. Supporting Long-Term Financial Stability

The plan was built through an exhaustive asset management and engineering audit. It supports a responsible five-year and long-range strategy that balances:

• Operations and maintenance

• Debt service

• Capital improvements

• Long-term sustainability

• Customer impact

By planning carefully and proactively, we avoid the kind of sharp, sudden increases that burden households.

4. Protecting Public Health and the Environment

A modern, well-funded wastewater system keeps our rivers clean, safeguards neighborhoods from sewer backups, and ensures that Mishawaka remains a healthy, attractive place to live and work.

5. Strengthening Economic and Neighborhood Vitality

Reliable utilities are foundational to economic development. As new businesses and families choose Mishawaka, they depend on modern, trusted infrastructure. This plan ensures our system will meet demand long into the future.

A Commitment to Transparency and Support

We understand the responsibility that comes with any rate change. That is why we are also developing a Ratepayer Assistance Program to help qualifying households manage increased utility expenses. Every citizen deserves access to essential services, and this program—modeled after successful utilities across Indiana—will help ensure that no Mishawaka resident is left behind.

Looking Ahead

The unanimous vote by the Common Council reflects the strength of our city’s leadership and their commitment to long-term stewardship. Mishawaka has always been a city that plans ahead, solves problems proactively, and puts people first. Last night’s decision continues that tradition.

This rate plan positions Mishawaka to succeed—not just today, but for decades to come. It ensures our wastewater utility remains safe, reliable, financially sound, and capable of supporting the strong, growing community we are proud to call home.

On behalf of Mishawaka Utilities and the City of Mishawaka, thank you for your trust, patience, and partnership as we continue working to protect and strengthen the essential systems that serve us all.