Westfield strikes deal with Citizens Water - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Westfield residents could soon have a new water provider.

The City of Westfield announced it reached a deal with Citizens Energy Group for the transfer of the City's water and wastewater utilities. The approximately $91 million in proceeds of the transfer will be used to pay off the City's utility infrastructure's $45 million debt. The rest of the money will fund much-needed capital infrastructure projects, including roundabouts at high-traffic intersections and improvements to the City's trail system, including the Monon Trail and Midland Trace.

"In the next five years, Westfield's growth is expected to continue, with more businesses attracted by improvements to U.S. 31, the addition of Grand Park and our world-class school system," Westfield Mayor Andy Cook said. "The transfer of our utilities will allow us to pay off our debt, invest in needed improvements to relieve congestion and improve access, all while partnering with an experienced and trusted utility partner that will provide outstanding customer service and operational savings to hold down future water rate increases."

Citizens Energy Group and the City of Westfield have agreed that no Westfield employee will lose employment as result of the utility transfer. Citizens plans to provide pay and benefits to Westfield employees that are competitive with their current compensation package and that of similarly situated Citizens' employees. Of course, employees also will need to complete pre-employment hiring requirements.

Four public meetings have been scheduled to keep Westfield residents informed:

• Tuesday, October 2, Westfield High School Auditorium, 7-8:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, October 9, Carey Ridge Elementary School, 7-8:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 17, Oak Trace Elementary School, 7-8:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, October 23, Shamrock Springs Elementary Schools, 7-8:30 p.m.

The final agreement must be approved by the Westfield City Council and the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.