Villa Park board approves water, sewer fee increases

Villa Park residents will soon see an increase on their water and sewer bills.

The village board gave an initial thumbs-up Monday for a series of sewer rate increases.

Starting May 1, users will pay $2.31 per 1,000 gallons, up from the existing rate of $1.55 per $1,000 gallons.

Then in May 2009, the sewer rate will increase to $2.56 per 1,000 gallons. It will climb to $2.81 per 1,000 gallons in 2010.

The increased sewer rates are to cover the costs repairs and maintenance on the wastewater collection and treatment system, as well as to repay loans for that work. The upgrades will include the rehabilitation of the North Villa Avenue lift station that serves the north end of town, Acting Village Manager Robert Niemann said.

The equipment needs a "major overhaul" due to its deteriorated condition. The village board is expected to vote at an upcoming meeting on a $255,500 contract with DiMeo Brothers of Elk Grove Village for the needed work.

Meanwhile, the existing water rate of $4.70 per 1,000 gallons will increase to $4.95 per 1,000 on customers' May 1 bills.

Residents in unincorporated areas receiving village water will pay an additional 50 cents per 1,000 gallons.

Customers also will pay a $1.50 monthly administrative charge for water and sewer service, as well as a $5 meter-reading charge for every time the village reads their meter.

Niemann said it is not only important to maintain infrastructure to avoid costly emergency repairs but also to support Villa Park's redevelopment efforts on the village's north end.