Water Rate Increase Could Be Coming To Plainfield In 2018

PLAINFIELD, IL — Plainfield residents could pay for more for water and sewer service in 2018 — an average of about $4 per month more, to bit a bit more precise. According to the a Village of Plainfield news release, trustees will consider a rate increase at the village board's Jan. 8 meeting. While the meeting agenda has not yet been released, the village has created a video to give residents more information on the proposed increase.

"Why is the village considering a water & sewer rate increase?" the video asks. Although the wholesale cost of Lake Michigan water — which Plainfield uses — from the City of Chicago has stabilized, the price increases each year based on the producer price index (PPI) at a rate of roughly 2.5 percent, the village says.

A $10 million, five-year capital improvement plan is also in the works in Plainfield to maintain and improve the village's water and sewer system, according to the village.

While some sales tax revenue has been used to offset the purchase price charged by the City of Chicago over the past five years, that was just a temporary solution, the village said, adding that its goal is to return some of that revenue to the capital fund for future road maintenance costs.

The village said it is continually working to reduce costs with efforts like modernizing facilities to make operations more efficient and implementing a radio water meter reading system.

The proposed rate increase would cost about $1 extra per month for those with small water bills, including senior citizens and empty-nesters, the village said. A typical family of four would see an increase of about $4 per month.

If the board approves the increase at the Jan. 8 meeting, residents would see the added cost starting with their April water bill. The meeting is at 7 p.m. at Village Hall, 24401 W. Lockport St.

Watch the village's video for more information:

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