Skokie board approves FY2026 appropriations and a water‑rate increase; private‑side cost‑share adjusted

Village Manager John Lockerbie presented the proposed FY2026 appropriations ordinance and a water‑rate ordinance, saying the measures are needed to fund water, sewer and flood control operations. “The proposed water rate ordinance includes a 99¢ per 100 cubic feet increase in the water rate, a $9.91 increase in the minimum bill over the prior year,” Lockerbie said, and added the change aligns with the budget approved June 4.

Trustees discussed financing and resident impacts before voting. The ordinance also includes an inflationary adjustment to the private‑side lead service‑line cost‑share program the board approved in 2023; staff noted the program capped resident private‑side expenses at $3,000 and the ordinance would update that cap to $3,090 to reflect inflation. Lockerbie said the 3% adjustment is based on the January 2025 CPI growth.

A resident asked for clarification on the reasons for the increase and raised a service‑line leak at a private address; Lockerbie said the cost‑share cap was originally set in 2023 and needs a modest adjustment to remain sustainable and that Public Works handles water‑leak investigations. The board voted to approve the appropriations ordinance and water‑rate ordinance; the clerk’s roll call returned ayes from all trustees present.

The ordinances will come back for final consideration and second reading at the August 4 board meeting, per Lockerbie's request. Staff said the water rate increase and updated cost‑share are intended to preserve planned capital projects and to allow continued funding of the village’s replacement goals; no additional programmatic changes were adopted at the meeting.