Elburn debates water, sewer hikes

Elburn water users soon will pay more for it, but exactly how much more is still up for discussion.

The village board on Monday considered adding a $10-per-month fee to both water and sewer bills, in order to replenish the capital portions of the water and sewer funds. The board also considered changing use rates, and charging residents from the first drop out of the faucet.

"It doesn't make us happy; we are all going to have to pay," Village President David Anderson said.

The increases are intended to build capital funds, which pay for system maintenance and repairs, including fixing broken water mains and pumps.

Connection fees charged to new customers had been used to pay for such repairs, but as the economy tanked and new-home construction plummeted, that income has dried up. The capital fund, which had more than $500,000 in it as recently as five years ago, now has about $50,000.

Currently, Elburn residents pay a minimum $5 a month for water, plus $2.69 per 100 cubic feet after the first 100. They pay a minimum $5 a month for sanitary sewer, plus $2 per 100 cubic gallons discharged after the first 100.

The plan currently under consideration would charge everyone a monthly fee of $10, and customers would pay for every gallon used.

Trustee Jeff Walther suggested it might be more fair to simply raise the use rate so it covers the cost of operating the systems, as well as the cost to repair and maintain them.

"I'm not comfortable with folks paying a lower amount (low-use customers) having to pay for this ad nauseam," he said of the $10-per-month-fee.

Trustee William Grabarek suggested that to cover both operating and capital, the village should consider raising use rates to a combined $6.65 to $7. Whatever isn't needed for the operating fund could be transferred to the capital fund, he said.

"We have underpriced our water and sewer for a long time," Grabarek said.

He estimated that, under the current proposal, about 1,000 of the utility customers - mainly people who live alone and don't use much water - would see their bills double.

The board directed the public works superintendent to calculate the effects of Grabarek's suggested rate on users, including commercial and nonresidential users.

The board will discuss the matter at 7 p.m. March 8, and hopes to vote on a proposal March 15.