The Tipton Utility Service Board voted on Sept. 15 to implement a billing offset this quarter and the fourth quarter of 2025 to reverse an overcharge the utility made about a year ago, following guidance from the Indiana State Board of Accounts. Utility staff told the board the overcharge averaged about $2.50 per residential customer per month a year ago and that applying the offset will leave most residential customers “a hair ahead.”

The action formalizes the staff plan the State Board of Accounts reviewed; the State Board requested a formal board vote so the correction is documented in the minutes. The board moved and seconded the proposal and approved it by voice vote.

In other formal business the board approved minutes from the previous meeting and voted to pay claims presented at the meeting. Staff listed claims in a numbered range and gave a total of $332,092.68; the board approved payment of those claims.

The meeting included several nonvoting operational updates. Staff said a bottom repair at the water treatment plant will likely be pushed into 2026 and estimated the work at about $150,000. Safety training covering live-line tool care and electrical-tool testing is scheduled for next week, and staff described procedures for testing gloves and other gear with third-party services.

The board also heard an update on near-complete capital projects: lift stations and a new water tower are operating and a ribbon-cutting ceremony was scheduled for the following day at 1:30 p.m. with an official start about 2 p.m.; the event will be held by the new water tower on 560 and will include representatives from the Indiana economic development office, the region’s grant administrator, county representative Tracy Powell and Tipton’s mayor, Keegan.

Work on East Street continues under the Community Crossings grant program; the city is leading most of that project while the utility contributes water and storm-sewer work. The utility’s attorney is reviewing an interlocal agreement the county sent; staff said the attorney will present comments to the board likely late this month or in early October. The utility’s next regular board meeting was scheduled for Monday, Oct. 6.

During public questions, a board member asked about Doctors Park and potential septic issues; staff said the county is handling the matter and that all three buildings there have individual septic systems, with the day-care building facing the most immediate challenges.