Hilbert board approves water and sewer rate increases, budgets and equipment purchases

President Tom Roehrig called the Village of Hilbert Board to order on Oct. 8, 2024. The board approved multiple budget items, fee changes and equipment purchases intended to shore up utilities and public-works operations ahead of planned capital needs.

The board adopted Resolution 2024-09 to increase water rates by 4.1% effective Jan. 1, 2025; the increase raises the first 6,667 gallons from $3.32 per 1,000 gallons to $3.46 per 1,000 gallons. Missy Kieso said the Public Service Commission guidance recommended limiting increases, and the board approved the resolution by roll call: yes — Loose, Krueger, Nolan, Stenklyft, Collins, Pulley and Roehrig.

The board also adopted Resolution 2024-10, raising sewer rates by 7% effective Jan. 1, 2025, to help balance the sewer fund and plan for an eventual wastewater treatment plant upgrade; the resolution passed by the same roll-call vote.

To help cover operating expenses, the board approved fee changes for wastewater handling: holding-tank fees will increase from $9.50 to $10.00 per 1,000 gallons, sludge charges will rise from $0.10 to $0.15 per gallon, and the village will begin charging a $7 tipping fee per load. Kieso and Plate explained the increases were recommended to address expenditures for the wastewater system.

The board approved cost sharing for a lead service-line replacement at 606 W. Main St., a rental owned by Dennis Hein. The estimated replacement cost is $3,985; the board authorized the Village to pay 75% with the owner covering 25% plus any interior plumbing costs. Trustee Loose abstained from that vote, citing a conflict of interest.

On equipment, the board approved purchase of a used 2021 Ford F600 dump truck for $82,700 after trustees were told the village's 30-year-old truck required costly repairs. Plate said funds were available in the public-works equipment account to cover the purchase.

Personnel and operating budgets were also updated. The board approved a slate of 2025 employee pay adjustments (listed in board minutes), increased Clerk/Treasurer meeting pay to $30 per meeting, and raised Public Works on-call pay to $175 per week with a one-hour minimum call-in time, all effective Jan. 1, 2025. The board approved the 2025 Police & License budget, with law-enforcement services from the Calumet County Sheriff’s Department budgeted at $26,877.76 for 2025.

Parks planning moved forward with an allocation of $79,884 to the park buildings reserve (bringing that reserve to roughly $150,000). Jared from Robert E. Lee presented remodel and new-construction cost estimates for the park bathroom project ($225,000 for a remodel versus $340,000–$475,000 for new build); the board directed staff to continue planning.

Other routine actions included approval of operator licenses, a temporary Class B license for the Hilbert Potter Optimist Club, acceptance of committee minutes, approval of a final payment request to MCC, Inc. for $7,707.72, and setting a public hearing for Nov. 12, 2024. Board member Josh Krueger tendered his immediate resignation during the meeting. Kieso reported the village was not awarded funding from the state's Flexible Facilities Program.

Votes at a glance - Resolution 2024-09 (water-rate increase 4.1%): approved by roll call — yes: Loose, Krueger, Nolan, Stenklyft, Collins, Pulley, Roehrig. - Resolution 2024-10 (sewer-rate increase 7%): approved by roll call — yes: Loose, Krueger, Nolan, Stenklyft, Collins, Pulley, Roehrig. - Final payment to MCC, Inc. ($7,707.72): approved (motion carried). - Lead service-line cost sharing (606 W. Main St.): approved (Village pays 75%; owner 25%); Loose abstained. - Dump truck purchase ($82,700): approved (motion carried).

The board adjourned at 7:28 p.m.