FRANKFORT, Ind. (September 15, 2025) – The Frankfort Utility Service Board voted to uphold its 4 p.m. meeting schedule, prioritizing staff convenience, while also hearing about a “very unique” aquifer study revealing independent water sources. The board addressed a range of operational and administrative matters, including water utility updates, and ongoing infrastructure projects.
The decision to retain the 4 p.m. meeting time came after an inquiry raised concerns about public accessibility due to work schedules. Board members acknowledged the feedback but emphasized the efficiency gained by allowing employees to attend directly from work, avoiding a return trip for a later meeting. They also highlighted that meetings are live-streamed and archived online, and that written statements or special evening meetings could accommodate public input. A motion to continue with the 4 p.m. schedule passed, framed as aligning with “the voice of the business.”
Unique Aquifer Discovery Boosts Water Outlook
A significant development emerged from an aquifer study, which is expected to be finalized by September. Engineers conducting pump tests discovered a rare hydrological phenomenon where the community sits on two completely independent aquifers, separated by approximately 150 feet of clay. “When they pump from the top, the bottom one levels rise. When they pump from the bottom aquifer, you would think that the top aquifer would lower, but it actually increases in recovers,” Todd Corrie, general manager of FMU explained. This “very, very good news” indicates robust and independent water resources. The water plant currently operates at around 46% of its 9 million gallons per day capacity, with a “firm capacity” of 7.2 million gallons per day, allowing “a lot of headroom” for future needs.
Water Works Reports and Public Safety Warning
The Water Works department reported consistent operations, with a monthly average of 3,672,350 gallons for August, and a high day of 4.27 million gallons, comparable to figures from the past three years. Efforts to upgrade infrastructure include the replacement of 133 residential meters in just over two weeks and ongoing work to address difficult-to-shut-off old iron lines.
A public safety alert was issued regarding an individual in a van on the southwest side of town, reportedly going door-to-door telling residents their water was unsafe and offering to perform checks. The board clarified that this is not a waterworks or utility-identified individual and advised residents not to allow them on their property.
Infrastructure and Operational Updates
Preparations are underway for the annual truck testing scheduled for Monday, which will assess the dielectric strength of booms and “hot sticks” used in electrical work. Ongoing projects include full change-outs on the east side of the county and the replacement of portal cutouts prone to cracking.
The board addressed a question about utility poles being used to hold stop signs at some intersections, noting this practice often occurs where space is limited for standalone stop sign poles.
On the administrative side, the utility sent out 9,986 bills in August, welcomed 52 new customers, and issued 1,777 disconnect notices. A quote is being sought for cloud-based video recording to provide backup beyond the current 10-day limit, which is insufficient for addressing long-standing customer complaints. The implementation of an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system for payments is anticipated by the end of the month, offering customers more direct payment options.
