Village to Consider Water Rate Increase

The Lake Zurich village board will consider a 15 percent increase to the village portion of the water and sewer rate to fund critical capital improvement projects.

At the Jan. 7 village board meeting, Finance Director Jodie Andrew asked board members if they would be comfortable with a 15 percent or a 25 percent increase to the water and sewer rate for a one or two-year period. Andrew wanted to hear from board members before drawing up a formal proposal.

The additional revenue is needed to fund critical capital expenditures in the water and sewer fund, such as pump replacement, pipe replacement, water tower maintenance, well maintenance and other projects that need imminent attention in order to maintain service.

Andrew explained that the 15 percent increase would only be to operations and maintenance. The entire bill would not increase by 15 percent. The increase for an average family of four, using about 9,000 gallons, on the high end of water use, would be just under $8 per month, she said.

Trustees agreed that critical projects need to be funded and instructed Andrew to write a proposal for a 15 percent increase.

The water and sewer rate was raised  by 25 percent in January of 2012 because the water and sewer systems were operating at a loss.