12 percent water rate increase likely in Lombard
Proposed water rate increases for Lombard residents will come for a vote once more before likely becoming effective in early February.
The village board on Thursday gave preliminary approval to an overall rate increase of 12.16 percent on each bimonthly water bill. Village Manager David Hulseberg said the increase will help pay higher costs of Lake Michigan water service passed along by the city of Chicago and the DuPage Water Commission.
The increase would add an extra $9.95 to each bill for the average consumer who uses 8,000 gallons of water in two months, according to a memo from Finance Director Tim Sexton.
Although the DuPage Water Commission increased rates 30 percent this year and plans to impose a 20 percent increase in 2013 and an 18 percent hike in 2014, Village President Bill Mueller, who was a water commissioner for 10 years, said being part of the organization helps communities bring vital water service to their residents and businesses. Going it alone when rates increase would not be a viable option, he said.
“We have to deal with this issue as a group,” Mueller said. “Lombard cannot accomplish anything on its own.”
The village board will vote a final time on the proposed water rate increases Feb. 2.
“(Increasing rates) wasn’t something that we want to do, it was something that was sprung upon us,” Mueller said. “We have to protect our investment in the water we receive for our community.”