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Lake County committee approves 10‑year sewer agreement amendment with North Shore, including 20% rate increase
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Summary
The Public Works committee approved a First Amendment extending an intergovernmental agreement with the North Shore Water Reclamation District for 10 years. The amendment keeps prior terms and includes a 20% rate increase (raising the rate from $2.74 to $3.29).
The Lake County Public Works and Transportation Committee voted April 1 to approve a First Amendment to the intergovernmental agreement with the North Shore Water Reclamation District that extends wastewater service for the Northeast Central region for an additional 10 years.
Director Austin McFarland told the committee the updated agreement carries forward the elements of the prior contract but includes a one‑time 20% rate increase authorized by the reclamation district. McFarland said the state attorney’s office reviewed the amendment and that the North Shore district approved the change in February.
Committee members asked whether the increase is automatic every term; staff said the rate is set by the reclamation district and that the county cannot unilaterally change it. McFarland also said the increase will be used by the North Shore facility—cited specifically in the presentation as the Gurnee facility—for capital and regulatory upgrades.
Member Roberts asked for historical context; staff said an earlier adjustment in 2019 had been larger (about 30%). The committee approved the item by voice vote after a motion from Member Roberts and a second from Member Hunter.
The amendment applies to wastewater services for unincorporated areas and certain villages served by the district, which McFarland listed as including Grayslake, Wildwood and Gurnee. Staff said the amendment preserves existing responsibilities and establishes the extended rate structure for the 10‑year term.
