St. Charles Eyes Nearly 50% Increase In Water, Sewer Bills Over Three Years

ST. CHARLES, IL — St. Charles officials are considering a proposal that would raise utility rates by nearly 50% over the next three years to help cover rising costs for sewer and water services.

The increases would help cover a projected $417 million the city will need for water and sewer capital improvements in the next 10 years as well as an additional $84 million for a mandated lead service line replacement project, according to Shaw Local.

If the city council approves the change, the first rate spike — an increase of 17.3% — would appear on June bills. By June 2029, the total increase would amount to a 50% spike compared to current bills, meaning a current bill of $200 would be $298.31 in three years.

Bill Hannah, the city’s director of finance, said the rate jumps are expected to be re-adjusted in the future, according to Shaw Local.

“A portion of this water rate increase is temporary,” Hannah said. “Once the city is finished with the lead service line unfunded mandate project, we will be able to roll back some of that increase.”

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