Many Gary businesses and other commercial property owners will soon see higher stormwater bills after the city approved a significant rate increase that shifts more of the cost of sewer and drainage upgrades onto nonresidential properties. The new structure raises stormwater charges to $14.38 per 1,000 gallons for commercial and industrial properties — an increase […]
Gary Sanitary District
Posted inLocal Government, Politics & Policy, Public Meetings, Redevelopment
November 2025 Public Meeting Schedule for Gary
With the budget for 2026 finalized, the Gary Common Council is turning its attention to its next major decision: a proposed rate increase from the Gary Sanitary District. The district says the higher rates are needed to fund a $300 million, 30-year plan required by the federal government to reduce sewage overflows into the Grand […]
Posted inBusiness, Money
Council Passes City Budget, Hits Pause on Sewer Rate Hike
Gary’s 2026 budget is slightly smaller than last year’s, but it shifts more money into key departments and adds new workers as part of a broader reorganization of city services. The $65.5 million general fund, the city’s primary fund for day-to-day operations, is down about $725,000 from 2025, yet income, public safety, and infrastructure funds […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Gary Council to Discuss Sewer Hike, Tax Reform at Upcoming Budget Hearing
When the Gary Common Council reconvenes for its budget hearing on Oct. 28, members will confront two of the city’s biggest financial challenges heading into 2026: funding the federally mandated overhaul of its wastewater system and managing the looming fallout from new state tax laws. At the center of debate is an ordinance proposing steep […]
Posted inLocal Government, Utilities
Gary Pauses Plan to End Curbside Recycling Amid Community Concerns
Gary officials have put a hold on plans to end curbside recycling, keeping the current program in place while they work through logistical challenges and community concerns about a shift to a drop-off system. The decision follows growing frustration over the lack of community input, accessibility to drop-off sites, and uncertainty about how the sites […]
Posted inPublic Services
Curbside Recycling Ends in Gary, Drop-Off Sites to Replace Service
Paper, cardboard, or plastic? For Gary residents, the question just got more complicated. Starting next month, the city will suspend curbside recycling, a move city officials say is necessary due to rising costs. Instead, residents will be able to recycle at four monitored drop-off locations throughout the city, where paper, clean plastics, and broken-down cardboard […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Ex-Gary Employee Sues Melton, Alleges Retaliation for Backing Former Mayor Prince
A former Gary Sanitary District employee has filed a lawsuit against Gary Mayor Eddie Melton and the GSD, alleging his termination was politically motivated. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana, alleges Todd McCain was fired shortly after Melton assumed office in what McCain described as “political retribution.” […]