Info sessions for city takeover of Aqua

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE)  Fort Wayne leaders are planning to host several information sessions so that residents can learn more about the city's efforts to take over Aqua Indiana's water utility service in Aboite Township.

In November 2012, Mayor Henry announced plans to 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.

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.

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.

*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.