Village Board Approves Increasing Water, Sewer Charges

You'll see an increase in your monthly water bill following water and sewer charge increases approved Thursday night by the village board. 

Citing rising expenses, reduced consumption of water and slowdown in development that is decreasing revenue levels, the village passed these increases: 

• Water consumption charge increase from $3.66 to $4.12 per 1,000 gallons 
• Wastewater service charge from $.40 to $.50 per 1,000 gallons for incorporated residents 
• Bimonthly customer service charge increase according to meter size (an increase of $14.40 to $19.44 for a 3/4 inch meter)

According to a memo by the Department of Public Works, the average monthly bill would increase from $43.83 to $50.51. 

According to village documents, the current rate for combined water and sewer collection charges is $42.42 for a customer with a 3/4 inch meter. That would go up to $49.78 with the proposed rate.

That's on par with Lisle, whose combined charges are $49.80, according to a chart provided by the village. 

Add in sewer treatment and the combined monthly charges will be $70.72 instead of the current $63.36. That's higher than Downers Grove, which posts $63.43 in monthly charges, but much less than parts of Bolingbrook, with $147.04. 

If the increases are not made, the village reports its fund balance will be spent by FY 2016 and there will be a $227,000 deficit in the water and sewer fund. 

The Public Works memo also proposes additional future changes to draw funds, including water rate increases of $.25 per 1,000 gallons in FY 2012 and 2013. Also proposed is a $.10 to $.60 sewer rate increase per 1,000 gallons in FY 2015. 

The memo reports these changes will result in maintaining the fund balance for the vehicle and equipment replacement fund and accumulate about $2 million for debt preservation. The unrestricted fund balance would be just over $1 million at the end of the fifth year. 

All increases will take effect on the first day of each customer's next billing cycle following the effective date of the ordinance.

While customer service charges have remained steady since 1994, water and sewer rate charges have been increased yearly since 2008. The village water rate has been increased yearly since 2005. 

Trustee David Pittinger moved to vote separately on the water and sewer charge increases. The vote was part of the omnibus vote, in which the village board votes to approve several motions at once.

He said he did not oppose the proposed changes but felt something that affected so many people should be deliberated and voted on separately. No other trustees shared their opinions on the changes.