Last week, the IURC held a field hearing in the Bloomington City Council chambers, when three people spoke. Comments came from a board member of a neighboring water utility that is a CBU wholesale customer, and two representatives of the business community.

Rodney Lee Ira, a board member of Southern Monroe Water Authority, said his utility purchases water wholesale from CBU and currently has some of the lowest rates in the area. While acknowledging that increases are expected, as systems invest in infrastructure, he urged the IURC to ensure parity and fairness between rates paid by big users such as Indiana University and wholesale customers like Southern Monroe.

Aubrey Williams, co-founder of Heartwork Brewing, warned that steep increases for commercial customers would hit small, locally owned businesses hardest. Water is the main ingredient for beer, she said, and higher utility bills could mean delayed equipment purchases, reduced staff hours, or higher prices in a market where customers are already cutting back.

Eric Spoonmore, president and CEO of the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, framed the proposal against what he described as a broader affordability crisis in Monroe County, citing rising costs for both households and employers. He said significant, one-time jumps in water rates risk undermining Bloomington’s economic competitiveness and urged a more gradual, incremental approach to any necessary increases.

CBU has for several years tried to implement regular increases for all of its utilities—drinking water, sewer, and stormwater—about every four years, to avoid dramatic increases at any one time.

Still, the currently proposed percentage increase for business customers means an increase to the rate charged per 1,000 gallons of about 47%. In the documentation for CBU’s rate case, business customers are a part of a customer class called “general services.” The increase in the rate for business customers is more than twice the roughly 21% increase proposed for the residential class.

The different customer classes are key to the logic behind CBU’s rate case.

In addition to paying for delivering drinking water, the rate increase is supposed to pay for a five-year capital improvement plan totaling $84 million. The five-year plan is supposed to replace and upgrade aging pipes, pumps, and treatment facilities. The plan depends on issuance of $71 million in long-term debt.

The idea is to calculate how much total revenue is needed to pay for the cost of delivering drinking water to all customers, add the revenue required to pay for capital improvements, and then come up with a reasonable way to distribute the cost across customer classes.

The idea is to analyze the cost of delivering water to each customer class separately, and to tie the cost of delivering water to that class of customer to the rate for that customer class. If the true cost of delivering water were the same for all types of customers, then CBU would not have a basis for charging different rates for different classes.

But CBU analyzes the cost of delivering water to different customer classes as different. One part of that cost-of-service analysis, but not the only part, involves the peak-demand ratio—that is, the ratio of a customer class’s highest day of water use to its average daily use over a period of time. It’s also called the max-day factor.

Peak-demand ratios show how much each customer class contributes to the system’s maximum day of water use—that’s the scenario CBU must design and size its treatment plants, pumps, and pipes to handle. Because those peak-capacity requirements drive a big part of the system’s costs, the ratios help determine how those costs should be allocated across customer classes.
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From CBU’s rate case, here’s a breakdown of the max-day factors for different customer classes:

The 1.43 ratio for general services (business) customers is bigger than the 1.31 ratio for residential customers. So the cost of service for business customers gets analyzed as bigger than the cost of service for residential customers.

An initial step in calculating rates per 1,000 gallons for each class is to figure out how much revenue is needed from each customer class, to cover the future cost of service to that class. It’s not as simple as looking at the amount of revenue currently collected from that class, comparing it to the future amount needed, and applying that percentage increase to the rate per 1,000 gallons. That’s because costs charged to customers are divided between fixed costs and volumetric costs. Fixed costs are the flat charges customers pay just for being connected to the system.
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On CBU’s analysis, the total amount of revenue from residential customers needs to increase by 18.9% and the total amount of revenue from business customers needs to increase by 33.4%.

That means a larger share of the increased revenue is proposed to be tied to how much water a customer within a class uses, rather than the flat amount paid simply for being connected to the system.

Four years ago, the IURC decided to reduce CBU’s requested rate increase by 16 cents a gallon for residential customers and by 32 cents a gallon for Indiana University.
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The IURC docket for the current rate case calls for an April 30 evidentiary hearing, with closing briefs expected in May.

The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce is launching a new health insurance option for its members.

The program, ChamberCare, is designed for small and mid-sized businesses and is available exclusively to chamber members. It offers competitive pricing, statewide provider access and enhanced customer service features, according to a community announcement.
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ChamberCare is a multiple employer welfare arrangement, or MEWA, available to businesses with two to 50 employees. It offers expedited claims, low-cost medications, affordable outpatient procedures and access to every major hospital and health system in Indiana through the TruConnect provider network.

Chamber members are already reaping the benefits
According to the announcement, many employers are already receiving quotes up to 20% lower than comparable competitor rates.

ChamberCare gets a refresh
​ChamberCare was formed six years ago and was refreshed this year with new industry-leading providers. The program leverages partnerships with SIHO Insurance Services, CVS Caremark and Delta Dental to deliver a comprehensive package for small business healthcare needs. SIHO, headquartered in Columbus, Indiana, is recognized for its personalized service model paired with robust, statewide coverage options, according to the announcement.
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The announcement quoted Eric Spoonmore, president and CEO of the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, as saying that providing affordable, high-quality healthcare options has been an important initiative for the chamber.
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A recent member survey made it clear that this was a top priority for local employers, Spoonmore said in the announcement. “We heard our members and we delivered — ChamberCare is a meaningful solution that supports small businesses, strengthens our workforce and helps companies attract and retain talent.”

​Chamber member businesses interested in receiving a quote or learning more can visit ChamberCareHealth.com/Employers.

Formed six years ago and refreshed this year with new industry-leading providers, ChamberCare leverages partnerships with SIHO Insurance Services, CVS Caremark, and Delta Dental to deliver a best-in-class package for small business healthcare needs. SIHO, headquartered in Columbus, Indiana, is recognized for its personalized service model paired with robust, statewide coverage options.
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Chamber member businesses interested in receiving a quote or learning more can visit ChamberCareHealth.com/Employers or complete the interest form provided.

Overview
The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the Indiana Chamber, the Indy Chamber, SIHO Insurance Services, CVS Caremark, and Delta Dental to introduce ChamberCare, an enhanced health plan crafted specifically for Hoosier small and mid-sized businesses. Built as a MEWA, ChamberCare enables employers with 2–50 employees to access competitively priced, high-quality healthcare coverage normally available only to much larger organizations.
 
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Indiana’s business landscape by reducing barriers that limit growth and workforce stability. Through ChamberCare, employers gain practical, affordable solutions while employees receive comprehensive, dependable coverage.
 
Why This Matters
Small businesses consistently identify healthcare costs as a top concern. The Chamber now offers a direct avenue for members to obtain a plan that is both cost-effective and service-driven, improving employers’ ability to attract and retain talent in a competitive marketplace.
 
ChamberCare advances the Chamber’s mission of supporting economic vitality by investing in benefits that sustain a strong workforce and community.
 
About the Program

• Collaborative solution between the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, Indiana Chamber, SIHO Insurance Services, CVS Caremark, and Delta Dental.
• Plan redesigned in 2025 to offer best-in-class coverage, strong provider network access, and personalized service.
• Available exclusively to chamber members.
• Designed to simplify enrollment for businesses while reducing administrative burden.

​What is ChamberCare?
ChamberCare is a MEWA health plan that allows small businesses (2–50 employees) to band together for competitive, large-group level healthcare options. The plan includes medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision benefits administered by SIHO, CVS Caremark, and Delta Dental.
 
Who is eligible?
Any employer with 2–50 employees who is a member of the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce.
 
How does pricing compare?
Many employers receive rates up to 20% lower than comparable competitor plans.
 
Do employees get statewide coverage?
Yes. The TruConnect provider network includes every major hospital and health system in Indiana.


What are the customer service benefits?
Employees gain access to Indiana-based support, expedited claims, and low- or no-cost prescriptions.


Do I need to join the Indiana Chamber?
No. Membership in the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce automatically makes your business eligible for ChamberCare.


How do I get a quote or learn more?
Visit ChamberCareHealth.com/Employers or complete the interest form provided.

​This moment offers an opportunity for clear goals, transparent planning and collaboration among county leaders, justice stakeholders and the business community. We urge officials to prioritize these considerations:
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1. Develop a Plan for the future of the Charlotte T. Zietlow Justice Building. If the county intends to relocate the full spectrum of services now housed in the Justice Building, planning must start with a realistic, forward-looking reuse strategy for the property we already own. The current Justice Building is a cornerstone of our community. It houses the nine circuit courts, the prosecutor’s office, and key county clerk functions, including issuing marriage licenses, collecting child support payments, processing traffic violations and managing all court filings. Moving these essential services miles away would uproot the entire Monroe County legal system from the downtown core — harming small businesses, reducing foot traffic and leaving a significant void in our central business district.
2. Protect downtown’s economic vitality. Attorneys, title companies, financial institutions and other professional services rely on proximity to the Justice Building, and their presence, in turn, supports local restaurants, retailers, and service providers. Relocating these legal services would have disrupted the operations of many nearby businesses and drained daily economic activity from downtown. The county council’s vote protected this important ecosystem, and the county’s long-term plan must do the same.
3. Keep justice accessible. The current Justice Building is walkable, transit-accessible and integrated with services that support residents navigating the court system. Any proposal to permanently relocate court services and related functions must account for the transportation barriers that would be created for residents with limited means, disabilities or no personal vehicle. Justice must remain within reach of everyone in Monroe County.
4. Finally — safeguard fiscal health. At a projected $230 million, the proposed North Park complex would have been the largest capital expenditure in Monroe County’s history. Combined with new fiscal constraints imposed by Senate Enrolled Act 1, moving forward would have jeopardized the county’s ability to meet other essential needs—public safety staffing, infrastructure maintenance, housing, and social services. Other Indiana counties have recently constructed new jails for well under $100 million. Local officials should scale back costs accordingly to protect Monroe County’s long-term fiscal health.

The council’s decision to reject the $230 million North Park proposal showed that they are willing to respond to constructive community feedback. But much work remains to reach a more prudent, sustainable solution. The Chamber stands ready to support the next phase of planning and to help ensure an outcome that preserves downtown vitality, protects taxpayers and delivers a justice system that works for everyone. Monroe County now has an opportunity to reset this process — and we must get it right.

​The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the hiring of John Skolak as its new Member Services Coordinator. In this role, Skolak will serve as the first point of contact for Chamber members, prospective members, and the public—ensuring a welcoming, professional, and highly engaged experience for the business community. He will support membership growth and retention efforts by coordinating onboarding, ribbon cuttings, member outreach, volunteer committees, and key relationship-building initiatives. Skolak will report directly to Katie Sensabaugh, Vice President of Operations & Membership.

“To meet the needs of a growing and increasingly engaged membership, it was essential to bring on a dedicated Member Services Coordinator,” said Sensabaugh. “John brings an incredible blend of relationship-building talent, operational experience, and genuine care for people. His ability to listen closely, connect authentically, and make others feel supported made him a perfect fit for this role.”

Skolak first came to Bloomington in 1992 to complete his degrees at Indiana University, earning a double major in Criminal Justice and Photography along with a certificate in Underwater Resource Management. He later earned an Executive MBA from the Quantic School of Business and Technology. His early work in restaurants evolved into a nearly 40-year career spanning restaurant operations, food service distribution, and restaurant-technology innovation. Throughout his career, he has been known for helping people and businesses tell their stories, building strong connections, and improving customer and client experiences.

Outside of the Chamber, Skolak is developing a culinary workforce nonprofit, Best Food Forward Bloomington, and creating restaurant-tech tools through his startup, 812 Labs. A lifelong foodie, he believes—as Anthony Bourdain once said—that “travel is not a reward for working, it is education for living.” Originally from Portage, Indiana, he now lives in Bloomington with his wife, seven cats, two dogs, and what he affectionately describes as “a kitchen that’s rarely quiet.”

“John’s deep connection to Bloomington, his creative mind, and his passion for helping people succeed make him an outstanding addition to our team,” said Eric Spoonmore, President & CEO of the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce. “We are thrilled to welcome him and look forward to the impact he will have on member engagement and community support.”
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Skolak’s role with the Chamber was effective November 10th, 2025.

The Bloomington City Council met on September 30th. During the meeting, a proposal to name a section of Bloomington the “Stadium District” was introduced. The naming would be the area  surrounding Miller-Showers Park. In today’s feature report, WFHB News Correspondent Katrine Bruner speaks with Co-Founder of Heartwork Brewing Aubrey Williams and Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce’s Christopher Emge about naming an area in Bloomington the “Stadium District.” She also features perspectives from residents of the area who pushed back against the proposal. ​