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Belvidere Council OKs 52¢ sewer‑rate increase as step toward 2028 WWTP repayment
Summary
City staff proposed and the council approved an initial 52¢ per-unit sewer‑rate increase effective May 1 to help meet an anticipated $3.9 million annual repayment beginning in 2032 for the WWTP improvement project; the increase raises an average monthly 6,000‑gallon bill by about $4.17 to $52.62.
The Committee of the Whole voted April 27 to advance a sewer‑rate increase after staff outlined long‑term repayment needs for wastewater treatment‑plant improvements.
Director Anderson said the estimated $87.3 million 2028 WWTP improvement loan will require roughly $3.9 million annually starting in 2032 and recommended a series of rate increases over six years, beginning with a 52¢ per‑unit lift to take effect May 1, 2026. He told the council the 52¢ increase would raise the monthly bill for a 6,000‑gallon user by about $4.17 (from $48.45 to $52.62), which he said remains below regional averages.
Council members asked how the additional revenue would be tracked and used. Director Anderson replied the initial receipts will go to operations and maintenance (O&M) as a revenue source and that, historically, excess receipts are later transferred to depreciation/reserve accounts to meet bond or repayment obligations; if the city later issues debt there are account set‑ups for bond and interest payments. He noted potential offsetting increases in system usage when new facilities (for example, a new Walmart) and re‑opened Stellantis operations come online.
The council voted to move the rate increase forward so the city attorney can draft an ordinance for formal adoption. The motion passed by voice vote; the transcript records no roll‑call tally. Council members emphasized the long delay since major WWTP improvements (last significant upgrade referenced to 1985) and the constraints of enterprise‑fund accounting.
