Water Bills Are Going Up In Oswego

OSWEGO, IL — Two weeks after approving a fuel sales tax and 1 percent prepared food and beverage tax, the Oswego village board OKed another cost increase for residents. The board unanimously voted to raise water rates by 80 cents per 100 cubic feet this year and for the next two years. After that, rates will increase by 10 cents per 100 cubic feet for the following three years — making it six consecutive years with a water rate increase.

The first increase will show up on residents' November water bills. The subsequent increases will take effect May 1 of each year.

The 2017 increase will cost the average household an extra $11.20 every two months, according to the Beacon News. The village's last water rate increase, a 20-cent hike, was in 2010.

Village Finance Director Mark Horton said Oswego's current rate structure would not be enough to cover future capital projects needed to keep the village's water system running, the Beacon reported. The village has identified $80 million in anticipated future projects, such as potentially building a joint water treatment plant with Montgomery and Yorkville, or bringing in Lake Michigan water. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

The village's new prepared food and fuel sales taxes take effect Oct. 1. More from Patch: Gas, Food/Drink Taxes Approved In Oswego

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