Mishawaka Common Council Approves MUW Capital & Rate Plan and New Rate Assistance Program

The Mishawaka Common Council has officially approved both the Mishawaka Utilities Water (MUW) Capital and Rate Plan as well as the new Mishawaka Utilities Rate Assistance Program (RAP), marking two important steps forward for the long-term sustainability, affordability, and reliability of Mishawaka’s utility systems.

City and Utilities officials expressed appreciation to the Common Council for its thoughtful review, collaboration, and partnership throughout the process, which included months of informational meetings, discussions, public engagement opportunities, and infrastructure review.

The approved MUW Capital and Rate Plan is designed to support long-term investment in Mishawaka’s critical water infrastructure, including:

• water treatment facilities,
• aging water mains,
• system modernization,
• operational reliability,
• regulatory compliance,
• and long-term water security for residents and businesses.

City officials emphasized that the plan reflects a measured and responsible approach intended to avoid larger financial and infrastructure challenges in future years by implementing a predictable, phased investment strategy now.

“Mishawaka has always believed in planning ahead rather than falling behind,” said Mayor Dave Wood. “These investments are about protecting public health, maintaining reliable service, and ensuring future generations inherit strong infrastructure systems.”

Even with the approved rate adjustments, Mishawaka Utilities continues to provide some of the most affordable overall utility services in Indiana when considering electric, water, wastewater, and solid waste services together.

At the same meeting, the Common Council also approved the new Rate Assistance Program (RAP), designed to provide modest, targeted assistance to qualifying low-income residential utility customers.

The RAP is structured to assist residents who already qualify through Indiana’s Energy Assistance Program (EAP) verification process administered by Real Services. The program was intentionally designed to balance compassion and affordability while maintaining the long-term financial integrity of Mishawaka Utilities.

Under the program:

• qualifying residential customers may receive limited utility bill assistance,
• eligibility is income verified,
• and the program remains capped and financially sustainable within the utility system’s operational framework.

Officials stated the RAP reflects Mishawaka’s continued commitment to both responsible infrastructure investment and supporting vulnerable residents facing financial challenges.

“Mishawaka Utilities is a nonprofit municipal utility system that exists to serve the community,” Mayor Wood said. “These ordinances reflect a balanced approach — continuing to invest responsibly in critical infrastructure while also recognizing that affordability matters for many families.”

City officials also noted that the process reflected strong collaboration between the Mayor’s Office, Mishawaka Utilities, Administration, and Common Council.

“When local government works together thoughtfully and responsibly, progress is not just possible — it is expected,” Wood added.

Additional information regarding both the MUW Capital and Rate Plan and the Rate Assistance Program will be made available through Mishawaka Utilities and the City of Mishawaka website.