Old business, including discussion of a likely 60 percent sewer rate increase over two years, is on tap for the Porter Town Council, which meets at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the town hall, 303 Franklin St.

Last month the town’s financial consultant recommended a 30 percent rate hike this fall and a second 30 percent increase in 2009. The first jump anticipates a rate increase from the town of Chesterton, which processes Porter’s sewage, and the second next year primarily would fund a $4 million revenue bond issue to finance a major upgrade of Porter’s long-neglected sewer collection system including lift stations.

Also on Tuesday’s council agenda is discussion regarding an ordinance clarifying the 1994 establishment of the Technical Advisory Committee or TAC comprised of town department heads; whether to designate a truck route through Porter; and a proposed business registration ordinance that survived first reading July 22 on a 3-2 vote amid concerns that a company’s private information might fall into the wrong hands.

Under new business an appointment to the Park Board is listed. Board president Zathoe Sexton has resigned. Her husband, Town Council president Bill Sexton, also resigned unexpectedly effective Aug. 31. His Republican replacement will be chosen by a caucus of town GOP precinct committeepersons.

The council meeting includes reports from town department heads and an opportunity to address the council under comments from the floor as the meeting begins.

Posted 8/11/2008