Elmhurst Examines 30% Water Rate Hike

ELMHURST, IL – An Elmhurst City Council committee on Monday plans to again look into raising water rates by as much as 30 percent in March.

The council's finance committee last looked at the issue a month ago. No one minced words about the size of the possible increase, with Alderwoman Noel Talluto saying the "sticker shock is extreme."

Committee members talked about reducing the impact on low-income residents, particularly seniors.

In a memo released Thursday, Christina Coyle said the city could find no other municipal water utilities that offer low-income assistance programs.

Elmhurst and other towns, she said, refer low-income customers to townships and local charities for assistance.

She also said the city provides no-interest payment plans to any customer who needs help.

In her memo, Coyle said city employees found a few towns that provide discounts for seniors. They include Carpentersville, South Chicago Heights, Hanover Park, Lemont, Gurnee, Libertyville, Oswego and Western Springs.

Coyle also responded to proposals for lower water rate increases. Doing so, she said, would mean eliminating all water main replacements for this year. That would result in more such projects for the next three years.

According to the city, the average user spends $119 a month for water and sewer service. Under the proposal, that would rise to $155 a month if rates are raised 30 percent.

Elmhurst now has the fourth-highest water bills among 17 comparison towns, according to the city. Only Itasca, Rochelle and Rock Island had higher bills.

The city says it must upgrade its wastewater treatment plant to meet regulations. It also says it needs to improve reservoirs and pumping stations.

Among the regulations are treating phosphorous, which officials termed an unfunded mandate.