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Board approves 3% sewer-rate increase for 2022 amid resident concerns
Summary
The Village of Belgium board approved Resolution 29-21 to raise sewer-volume charges and septic/holding-tank rates by 3% starting with the first quarter of 2022 after staff said the increase would average about $16.97 per household per year; several residents urged caution citing high individual bills.
The Village of Belgium board voted to adopt Resolution 29-21, increasing the sewer volume charge per thousand and septic/holding-tank rates by 3% beginning with the first quarter of 2022. Chair (S1) introduced the resolution and the board approved it by voice vote.
Why it matters: Trustees said the increase is intended to keep the wastewater treatment plant maintained and to avoid much larger, sudden increases later if equipment and systems fall behind. The decision affects sewer charges billed to households and businesses beginning in 2022.
Public reaction and staff response: Several attendees pressed for affordability. One attendee (Resident (S3)) questioned how high bills would get and said: "What are we supposed to do when I get a bill of 345? That's half of my Social Security." Vicky (S6) and staff answered that the 3% increase represents a modest average change: "the average annual cost increase for a household in the village is $16.97 per year," Vicky said, and staff clarified that meter and fixed charges account for a substantial portion of some larger bills. Trustees stressed the longer-term cost of deferring treatment-plant investment, noting replacement could cost millions.
Board action: After discussion, the board moved, seconded and approved Resolution 29-21 by voice vote and then approved the 2022 sewer budget as recommended by the Public Utilities Committee.
What’s next: The 3% increase will appear on bills starting with the first quarter of 2022; staff will continue to monitor usage patterns and explain bill components to customers.
