Hebron council directs staff to draft 10% water and wastewater rate increase, schedules public open house

The Village of Hebron council on April 27 directed staff to draft legislation for a 10% increase to water and wastewater rates, citing the need to "stabilize finances and build reserves" and to address infrastructure strain.

Councilmembers voted unanimously, 6-0, on a motion by Councilmember Carpenter, seconded by Councilmember Giovannelli, to draft the ordinance with an emergency clause for timing. The motion was recorded as passing without recorded opposition.

Council discussion noted the last rate increase occurred around 2010–2011 and emphasized an intention to hold public engagement before formal readings; the transcript notes a May 11 open house to solicit input. Staff and council described the increase as applying to water and wastewater rates only; tap fees were explicitly excluded from the proposed change.

Administrator Jung-Han Chen described recent operational pressures, including multiple water main breaks on East Main Street, and linked those events to the need for improved reserves. Council members referenced contractor costs for repairs and treatment of repeated breaks as part of their rationale.

The council noted the drafted ordinance would still move through the standard three-reading process and is likely to include an emergency clause to make timing effective sooner if adopted. No final ordinance text or effective date was provided at the meeting.

Next steps: staff will prepare draft legislation for first reading; the council will hold the May 11 open house and the item will return for three formal readings before any rate change takes effect.