Skokie Water Rates To Rise By 8.5 Percent

SKOKIE, IL — Skokie trustees approved a larger rate hike than usual at a board meeting last week, but officials say water in the village is still cheaper than in several remaining municipalities, the Skokie Review reported. Over the past few years, water rates have increased by about 5 percent annually, but the adjustment approved July 17 changing rates from $39.38 per thousand cubic feet to $42.72 represents an increase of nearly 8.5 percent.

The village's finance director said the higher costs are a result of nearly $4 million worth of improvements to Skokie's water infrastructure, noting more water and sewer mains than usual will need to be replaced because of an "aggressive street resurfacing schedule" this year, according to the Skokie Review.

Village officials also pointed out Evanston, the source of Skokie's water, is charging an extra 2 percent this year. (Get Patch real-time email alerts for the latest news for Skokie — or your community. And iPhone users: Check out Patch's new app.)

Village Manager John Lockerby said the higher increase still keeps Skokie's rates lower than several neighboring municipalities, which, unlike Skokie, charge additional fees for sewer service.

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