E. Dundee budget 'looks really good'

East Dundee residents and businesses won't need to budget any extra for water and sewer service next year.

Village trustees say rate increases are not needed to maintain the same quality of service.

The village board on Monday continued discussions on the fiscal year 2010-11 budget and, like the general fund, the water and sewer fund is expected to remain in the black.

"We are not proposing any increases, and we hope to remain stable next year," Village Administrator Frank Koehler said.

The village's water rate will remain at $4.49 per 1,000 gallons used, while sewer rates will stay at $4.20 per 1,000 gallons used.

Although expenses for the water and sewer funds are expected to increase slightly, village staff said revenues also are expected to go up. In addition, the village is not undertaking any major projects or programs in the next fiscal year.

"Historically, we have seen water usage decline with businesses leaving town," Koehler said. "But there are two new buildings going up next year."

While neighboring towns such as West Dundee and Carpentersville have felt extra pain this budget season, East Dundee has managed to develop a budget that is about $200,000 in the black.

A number of factors, including the four retirements from the police department and one from the village's streets department, enabled the village to overcome budget woes. Trustees also said foresight played a large role.

"So far, the whole budget looks really good," Trustee Lael Miller said. "East Dundee was fortunate to forecast the declines in revenue further back than other towns might have and that has made it easier for us to get through it now

Water: Foresight played a big role in budget success, trustees say