Elmhurst Eyes Big Water Rate Hike

ELMHURST, IL – Elmhurst may need to increase its water rates by 25 percent to 35 percent next year to ensure it completes needed projects, the city said in its annual budget memo.

In 2021 and 2022, the city made progress toward its goals of making system improvements, meeting state rules for treating phosphorous and keeping a certain balance in its account, the memo said.

But in 2023, the city veered off of its "positive path," according to the city. This is attributed to lower-than-expected income, inflation and supply issues.

In 2022, Elmhurst's water main project was delayed because the city was unable to procure materials for it, the memo said.

A draft rate study is recommending the big water rate increase to complete items on the city's plan for system improvements.

The city said it is finishing a water and sewer rate study to determine rates for next year.

At the same time, Elmhurst is expected to keep its property tax levy the same next year. In fact, the city predicted it would mean a small tax cut for residents.

The city takes up a small part of the annual property tax bill. As with most places, the school district consumes most of the bill.