Higher water rates may be on horizon

Carpentersville residents might want to reconsider those long morning showers if the village board approves a 9 percent increase in water and sewer rates.

Trustees will consider the rate increases at Tuesday's village board meeting.

If approved, Village Manager Craig Anderson said the revenue would pay for day-to-day operations of the village water department and would contribute to repayments of the $10 million bond the village took out last June for street and sidewalk projects.

"The revenue would cover the costs of operating the water and sewer systems, any main breaks and sewer and storm water maintenance," Anderson said. "Some would also go toward the debt service."

Under the proposed hikes, the water rate would go up to $2.71 from $2.49 per 1,000 gallons, while the sewer rate would go from $2.76 to $3.01 per 1,000 gallons used.

For every 100,000 gallons used, Finance Director Lisa Happ said, residents would pay an extra $47 per year.

Happ could not quantify how much additional revenue the rate increases would generate.

Rate increases are expected to go into effect with the October bills.

Last fall, the village board approved a 6 percent hike for both water and sewer rates.

At that time, village officials estimated they would experience a 17 percent shortfall in the next four years if it did not institute the higher rates.

Before last year's hikes, the village's water and sewer rates had remained static for five and eight years, respectively.

Happ said the additional 3 percent hike expected in this year's rates is because of some unforeseen expenses.

"We had projected 6 percent increases last year, but that did not take into account any future bond issues," said Happ, who cited the possible new public works facility as one unpredicted project. "I am estimating what we might need for future debt services."

Incremental increases are projected to continue until 2011, Happ said.

"The past village board decided to adjust the rates annually and not hit people every five years," Happ said. "It is easier to budget for a 10 percent increase than it is for a 30 percent increase."

While the water and sewer rate increases are the only options the village is currently considering, Village President Bill Sarto said other sources could take the pressure off rates next year.

"The sales tax revenue will be better next year with the new Fresh Market that's about to open and the Walgreens that just opened," Sarto said. "We don't want to be placing all of the burden on the residents."