'Sticker Shock' Likely For Elmhurst Residents

ELMHURST, IL – Elmhurst could raise water and sewer rates as much as 30 percent in March, with one official calling the increase "astronomical."

During a meeting Monday, Elmhurst aldermen pondered ways to shield senior citizens from such a large hike, possibly giving them a discount.

They emphasized they needed the money to improve the local water and sewer systems.

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.

"The sticker shock is extreme," Alderwoman Noel Talluto said during the City Council's finance committee meeting. "I'm for ripping the Band-Aid off."

She and others warned that if the city waited on some projects, the costs may escalate.

Alderman James Nudera said he was also for pulling off the bandage. But he also asked city staffers about other ways to raise money for improvements.

"This is astronomical," he said, saying he wanted to consider any way to ease the pain.

Alderman Chris Jensen warned against using taxing methods that don't tie directly into water and sewer use.

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

At the meeting, aldermen talked about going with, say, a 20 percent increase in March. Then, they said, the city could create a tiered structure the following year in which water rates would increase more rapidly with rising consumption.

"We're all concerned about the impact on the residents," said Talluto, who heads the committee. "This is going to be tough for everyone in Elmhurst. These are not small amounts of money we're talking about."

The committee made no decision, but plans to do so at its Jan. 8 meeting. The council would likely vote on a possible hike later in January, with it taking effect March 1.

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.