Carol Stream staff recommend 4% water and sewer rate increase to fund capital upgrades and AMI meter rollout

Finance Director John Bay told the Village of Carol Stream board at a budget workshop that staff will recommend a 4% increase in water and sewer rates, effective May 1, to support operations and planned capital investments for FY2027.

Bay said the water and sewer fund is principally supported by consumption charges — about 91% of next year’s revenue — and that the village must balance near‑term operating needs with long‑term asset replacement. "The only way we can really address rising costs is through regular rate increases," Bay said, adding that the proposed 4% increase is intended to preserve fund health while moving forward on necessary projects.

The FY2027 proposal reflects roughly $19.1 million in water and sewer spending and includes one‑time transfers from general fund reserves. Bay noted a $4.29 million transfer last year and proposed an additional $4.36 million transfer to assist capital work, but warned that such transfers should not be used to supplant routine operating expenses.

Staff outli…