Warrenville committee recommends 7.5% water and 2.5% sewer rate increases for council consideration

Finance Director Dalstrren presented the committee with proposed fiscal‑year‑2026 water and sewer rate increases and accompanying rate tables.

Dalstrren said the proposal would raise water rates by 7.5% (described during the presentation as "7 and 1/2%") and sewer rates by 2.5%. He outlined the unit and base changes: water would increase by $0.19 per 1,000 gallons with a $0.62 monthly increase to the water base; sewer would increase by $0.14 per 1,000 gallons with a $0.53 monthly increase to the sewer base. The presentation noted no change to the neighborhood (meter) fee, which remains $38 per thousand under the current structure.

Dalstrren gave an example impact: a household of four averaging 12,000 gallons per month would see about $61.32 in additional annual cost under the combined proposal (roughly $5.11 per month). He also displayed a peer‑comparison chart showing Warrenville near the bottom of rates among the listed communities.

Alderman Lockett said the workgroup and staff had initially prepared for larger increases (he referenced planning for a 10% water and 5% sewer scenario) but reduced the proposal after review, emphasizing the increases are intended to cover use‑based fund costs rather than produce excess revenue.

An alderman identified in the transcript as "Pocket" moved to recommend the city council approve a 7.5% water rate increase and a 2.5% sewer rate increase, both effective May 1, 2025, and to direct staff and the city attorney to prepare necessary code amendments for council consideration. The motion was seconded and carried.