Westfield approves utility transfer

WESTFIELD, Ind. (WISH) - Monday night, the City of Westfield made a deal worth 91 million dollars.

That's the price for the transfer of the city's water utility and wasterwater system to the Citizens Energy Group. The city council approved the transfer that's been studied since last spring.

Now it needs approval from the state's Utility Regulatory Commission. Westfield says that could take nine months.

In a statement released tonight, Westfield's Mayor Andy Cook said "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." He also said the utilities transfer "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."

The city is asking its residents for suggestions about how to allocate the money, assuming the deal is approved.

Westfield's statement says "nearly half [of the $91 million] will be earmarked for infrastructure improvements throughout the City. They can vote on either the city's Facebook Page or on the city's website .