Tipton Municipal Utilities offices will be closed Friday, March 29th, in observance of Good Friday.
History of Tipton Municipal Utilities
Public utilities first came to Tipton in 1894 as the Tipton Electric Light and Water Works. The waterworks station was constructed in 1894-95 at cost of $35,000 just east of the City. A small electric light plant was added in 1898. In 1901, we became known as the Tipton Municipal Utilities and was wholly owned by the City of Tipton. The original Wastewater Treatment Plant began operations in 1937 with the capacity to treat 600,000 gallons of wastewater per day. Over the years, many people have contributed to the success of Tipton Municipal Utilities. Their dedication and foresight have allowed us to enjoy the benefits of a small local utility in our community today.
Utility Service Board
Tipton Municipal Utilities are operated under the authority of the Tipton Utility Service Board. The Utility Board is a separate entity appointed by the Executive and Legislative branches of City Government on a bi-partisan basis. The main function of the Utility Service Board is to set policy and establish the future direction of the various utilities.
Appointment: Mayoral
Term Ends: 12/2/2027
Appointment: City Council
End of Term: 11/30/2024
Barbara Cardwell was appointed to the Utility Board in February of 2015. Before her appointment to the Utility Board, she had served as the City Council liaison the majority of time beginning when she was first elected to the City Council in 1984. Barbara received her accounting major from Indiana State, then went back to complete a degree in Education at Indiana University of Kokomo. Barb raised her three children in Tipton, and taught high school special education classes at Tipton High School from 1972 to 2001. Barb is very active in the community and is a member of the Tipton Hospital Auxiliary, Past Vice-President of the Tipton Education Association, member of the Indiana State Retired Teachers Association, member of the ARC and former member of the Noblesville Sheltered Workshop. While serving on the City Council, Barb also served as the City Council liaison for Cemetery Board, Solid Waste Board, Economic Development Corporation and Planning Commission member.
Barb’s experience in City Government and Education as well as her community involvement make Barb an excellent choice as a Utility Board Member.
Dick has been married to his wife Mary for 56 years and has two grown children. He is a graduate from Kokomo High School. Mr. Klein has been a member of the Tipton Municipal Utility Board since 2005 and is currently also serving as our IMPA Commissioner. Prior to his retirement, Dick served ten years on the Indiana Utility Regulation Commission, one year as International Representative for the /BEW and is a member of /BEW Local 873. After completing his apprenticeship as an electrician, Dick served as Business Manager and Financial Secretary of /BEW Local 873 for 16 years.
Dick’s experience in the electrical field, his experience as business manager and financial secretary, as well as his tenure at the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission brings considerable wisdom and experience to the Board.
Appointment: Mayoral
End of Term: 11/30/2026
Steven Thompson was appointed to the Utility Board in December 2018. A Tipton native and 2012 graduate of Ball State University’s distinguished Aquatics program, Steven has worked in the field of aquatic education, recreation, and management most of his adult life. Steven has served as the Tipton Community School Corporation’s Aquatics Director/Instructor since 2010. Steven also has served as a member of the Park Advisory Board since 2014.
The National Swimming Pool Foundation selected Steven in 2010 as a scholarship recipient, recognizing Certified Pool & Spa Operators for having pursued further education to better protect public health. Steven was also designated as one of nineteen torchbearers to represent Tipton County during the Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay in 2016.
Steven has vast experience in youth development, coaching swimming and diving at all levels to the community’s finest student-athletes. As Power Aquatic Swim Club’s Head Coach and Program Manger, Steven has grown the competitive swimming programs within the Tipton community exponentially, while stressing the importance of water safety education. Steven has also served as the President of the Tipton Swim Boosters since 2010.
Steven’s experience in education, knowledge of aquatic facility filtration, chemical treatment, and mechanical operations, and willingness to serve his community make him an excellent appointment as a Utility Board Member.
Appointment: City Council
End of Term: 11/30/2027
Don McElfresh was appointed to the Utility Board in December of 2015. He has worked in finance for the past 35 years, and is currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer at Encompass Credit Union. Don and his wife, Tammy, of 29 years live in Tipton and have three grown daughters and two granddaughters. He received his business degree from Indiana Wesleyan University. His other memberships include the Sheriff Merit Board since October 2016 and the Economic Development Foundation since 2011.
Don’s knowledge of the community, his experience in the financial field, and his desire and willingness to see our community prosper makes Don an excellent member of the Board.
Appointment: Mayoral
End of Term: 11/30/2025
Management Team
Day to day operations are the responsibility of the Utility Manager working with the Superintendents of each department. The Utility Manager reports directly to the Board and is responsible for implementing the policies of the Board. The Superintendents are responsible for the satisfactory operation of their respective utility and direct supervision of the employees within their department. The Utility Manager and Superintendents must work as a team to maintain each utility to the highest possible standard, provide superior customer service, and all at a reasonable cost to our rate payers.
Jim is a long-time resident of Tipton County and has over 30 years of experience in the Design and Construction of Municipal Utility capital projects. Jim works closely with Department Superintendents on Operational issues and provides leadership for all Financial and Governmental matters pertaining to each Utility Department. Jim reports directly to the five member Tipton Utility Service Board (TUSB) and facilitates Economic Development with other Tipton City and County leaders including the Mayor, Clerk-Treasurer, City Planning and County Commissioners. Jim and his five-member team report out of the TMU business office located at 210 S. Main Street in Tipton.
Brad jointed TMU in 1979 and is a Journyman Lineman. Brad had served TMU as a Lineman, Foreman, and Assistant Superintendent. He was promoted to Superintendent in December of 2017. Brad is in charge of our entire Electrical Distribution System which consists of approximately 50 square miles of distribution. Brad works from the Electric Line Department located at 891 Berryman Pike, Tipton.
Jeff joined TMU in 1988 and holds WT3 Plant Operators License and a DSL Distribution License. Jeff has worked in all aspects of the Water Department and was promoted to Water Superintendent in 2008. Jeff is in charge of our 10 production wells, 2 treatment plants, 2 water towers, and approximately 9 square miles of water mains. Jeff works from the East Water Plant at 310 N. East Street, Tipton.
Troy has been with TMU for over 25 years. He holds a Class 4 Treatment Plant Operators License, a Class B Industrial Wastewater License and a Class 3 Collections License. Troy has experience in all aspects of the wastewater plant operations as well as the collection system. Troy is responsible for 2 treatment plants as well as the collection systems feeding those plants. Troy works from the East Wastewater Plant located at 909 E. Jefferson Street, Tipton.
Tim is a life-long resident of Tipton County and a 30 year-plus employee of Tipton Municipal Utilities. Tim oversees the existing Sanitary and Storm-water Collection systems as well as the various Lift Stations throughout the TMU service area. Tim regularly oversees line and lift station cleaning, reduction in Combined Storm-water Overflows (CSO’s) and assists the Wastewater Department with scheduled tank cleaning and maintenance. Tim and his staff report out of the TMU Collections building at 1066 Development Drive on the north side of Tipton.
AccorEmily has been with TMU for over 20 years in the Billing and Customer Service Department. Emily has experience in all aspects of the Billing and Customer Service Department. She was promoted to Customer Service Co-Ordinator in January of 2018 and works from the Business Office at 210 S. Main Street, Tipton.
Board Meeting Minutes
- 1-2-2023
- 1-17-2023
- 2-6-2023
- 2-20-2023
- 3-6-2023
- 3-6-2-23 (Executive Session)
- 3-20-2023
- 4-3-2023
- 4-3-2023 (Executive Session)
- 4-17-2023
- 5-1-2023
- 5-15-2023
- 6-5-2023
- 6-19-2023
- 7-3-2023
- 7-17-2023
- 8-7-2023
- 8-21-2023
- 9-05-2023
- 09-18-2023
- 10-2-2023
- 10-16-2023
- 11-13-2023 Resolution 2023-09
- 11-8-2023
- 11-20-2023
- 12-4-2023
- 12-18-23
Board Meeting Schedule
2024:
- 1-2-2024
- 1-16-2024
- 2-5-2024
- 2-19-2024
- 3-4-2024
- 3-18-2024
- 4-1-2024
- 4-15-2024
- 5-6-2024
- 5-20-2024
- 6-3-2024
- 6-17-2024
- 7-1-2024
- 7-15-2024
- 8-5-2024
- 8-19-2024
- 9-3-2024
- 9-16-2024
- 10-7-2024
- 10-21-2024
- 11-4-2024
- 11-18-2024
- 12-2-2024
- 12-16-2024
Tipton Municipality Utilities Rates
Need a quick reference for some of our most common rates? We have categorized them below for your convenience. Links to the full documents can be found in the appropriate Rate Dropdown below. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions!
Electric Rates
Availability
Available through one meter to individual customers for single phase residential service, including lighting , household appliances, refrigeration, cooking, water heating and small motors not exceeding three (3) horsepower individual capacity.
Character of Service
Alternating current, sixty Hertz, single phase at a voltage of approximately 115 volts two-wire, or 115/230 volts three-wire.
Minimum Charge
The minimum charge shall be the Customer charge.
Electric Power sales are subject to Indiana Sales Tax @ 7% and Indiana Utility Receipts Tax @ 1.4%
*Purchased Power Cost Adjustment Tracking Factor – ECA Tracking Factor Appendix A. Click here to see Appendix A
Availability
Available through one meter to any commercial customer using standard electric service for lighting, miscellaneous small appliances, refrigeration, cooking, water heating and incidental small motors not exceeding five (5) horsepower individual capacity.
Character of Service
Alternating current, sixty Hertz, 120/240 volts single phase; or three phase 120/208 volts, 240 volts, or 440 volts.
Minimum Charge
The minimum charge shall be the Customer Charge.
Electric Power sales are subject to Indiana Sales Tax @ 7% and Indiana Utility Receipts Tax at 1.4%
*Purchased Power Cost Adjustment Tracking Factor – ECA Tracking Factor Appendix A. Click here to see Appendix A
Availability
Available through one meter for incidental lighting and general power purposes. The KWH consumption of lighting shall not exceed thirty-five percent (35%) of the total KWH consumption.
Character of Service
Alternating current having a frequency of sixty Hertz and at a voltage which is standard with the Utility in the area served.
Minimum Charge
To view Monthly or Yearly Minimum charge calculation, please click here.
Electric Power sales are subject to Indiana Sales Tax @ 7% and Indiana Utility Receipts Tax at 1.4%.
*Purchased Power Cost Adjustment Tracking Factor – ECA Tracking Factor Appendix A. Click here to see Appendix A
Page 1 of Primary Rate info. Click here for Page 1
Page 2 of Primary Rate info. Click here for Page 2
FCA Tracker Appendix A. Click here for Appendix A
Water Rate - East Plant (City of Tipton)
| Cubic Feet | Phase 3 (Effective 2/1/2021) |
| First 300 Cubic Feet | $4.103 per 100 cubic feet |
| Next 1,300 Cubic Feet | $3.596 per 100 cubic feet |
| Next 6,400 Cubic Feet | $3.075 per 100 cubic feet |
| Next 12,000 Cubic Feet | $2.253 per 100 cubic feet |
| Next 30,000 Cubic Feet | $1.851 per 100 cubic feet |
| Next 50,000 Cubic Feet | $1.540 per 100 cubic feet |
| Next 100,000 Cubic Feet | $1.225 per 100 cubic feet |
1 Cubic Foot = 7.48 Gallons
Water Sales are subject to Indiana Sales Tax at 7% and Indiana Utility Receipts Tax at 1.4%.
| Minimum Monthly Charge is based on Water Meter Size: Water Meter Size | Included Cubic Feet of Water | Monthly Minimum (Effective 2/1/2021) | |
| 5/8 Inch | 302 | $12.38 | |
| 3/4 Inch | 597 | $22.99 | |
| 1 Inch | 1384 | $51.29 | |
| 1 1/2 Inch | 3,006 | $102.29 | |
| 2 Inch | 7,998 | $255.77 | |
| 3 Inch | 19,346 | $511.50 | |
| 4 Inch | 46,824 | $1,022.72 | |
| 6 Inch | 99,272 | $1,840.42 |
| Private Fire Hydrants – (per hydrant) | $803.77 | Annual Fee |
| Automatic Sprinkler Systems – (per connection) | ||
| 3 inch meter | $116.91 | Annual Fee |
| 4 inch meter | $182.75 | Annual Fee |
| 6 inch meter | $401.88 | Annual Fee |
| 8 inch meter | $913.30 | Annual Fee |
| Municipal Hydrant Rental Surcharge | ||
| 5/8 inch meter | $3.67 | Monthly Fee |
| 3/4 inch meter | $5.26 | Monthly Fee |
| 1 inch meter | $9.14 | Monthly Fee |
| 1.5 inch meter | $21.20 | Monthly Fee |
| 2 inch meter | $36.56 | Monthly Fee |
| 3 inch meter | $84.08 | Monthly Fee |
| 4 inch meter | $146.21 | Monthly Fee |
| 6 inch meter | $332.68 | Monthly Fee |
When a new service tap is made into the system, a connection or “Tap Fee” will be charged as well as an “Availability Fee”.
Those charges are currently as follows:
Connection or Tap Fee: 5/8 to 3/4 inch meter = $1,300.00
1 inch meter = $1,600.00
Greater than 1 inch = Actual costs incurred for labor & materials.
Water Availability Fee: = $250.00 per connection
Other Misc Fees: Re-connection Fees = $20.00
Return Check Fee = $25.00
Rural Customers Surcharge Fee – customers outside the City limits of Tipton may pay up to a $8.41 surcharge depending on their location and cost of service.
Water Rates - West Plant (28/31 Service Area)
Volumetric Rate
Rate per 1,000 gallons $15.35
Minimum Charges based on meter size
Proposed Rates
| Meter Size | Gallons | Proposed Rates |
| 5/8 – 3/4 inch meter | 3,000 gallons | $ 46.05 |
| 1 inch meter | 7,500 gallons | $115.13 |
| 1 1/2 inch meter | 15,000 gallons | $230.25 |
| 2 inch meter | 24,000 gallons | $368.40 |
| 4 inch meter | 75,000 gallons | $1,151.25 |
| 6 inch meter | 150,000 gallons | $2,302.51 |
| 8 inch meter | 240,000 gallons | $3,684.01 |
To view our West Plant service area connection fees please click here
Wastewater Rates - East Plant (City of Tipton)
Treatment Rate (per 100 Cubic Feet) – $3.52 – Unless metered separately, the cubic feet billed per month will be based on water usage. One cubic foot = 7.48 gallons.
+ Base Rate:
| 5/8″ Water Meter | $22.71 | ||
| 1″ Water Meter | $55.04 | ||
| 1 1/2″ Water Meter | $126.08 | ||
| 2″ Water Meter | $216.54 | ||
| 3″ Water Meter | $496.52 | ||
| 4″ Water Meter | $862.65 | ||
| 6″ Water Meter | $1961.03 |
Wastewater Rates - West Plant (28/31 Service Area)
The fees are in the process of being established and are not yet available.
To see the West Plant connection fees, please click here
Storm Water Rates
| Storm Water User Fee | $13.05 per ERU* per Month |
*Equivalent Residential Unit – 1 ERU = 3,000 square feet of impervious surface area.
Tipton Municipal Utilities
210 S Main Street
Tipton, IN
46072
Hours:
Mon – Fri: 7:30 am – 4:00 pm
Useful Links
