EVANSVILLE, Ind. — A proposed hike to city water and sewer bills has passed its first procedural hurdle. The Evansville Water and Sewer Utility board voted unanimously Tuesday afternoon to file a rate increase petition with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. Local water customers won't see higher bills for a while, even if the increase eventually receives the green light. The vote simply means the proposal will go before the IURC in a months-long deliberative process, which will also include more public input. EWSU Executive Director Lane Young previously said he expects a decision to be handed down in February or March of next year.