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Bloomington board approves phased sewer rate increases to shore up sewer fund
Summary
Facing a projected 2026 sewer fund deficit, the Village of Bloomington board voted unanimously Dec. 1 to raise both the sewer base fee and usage rate in two 22% steps—one in the first quarter and one in the second quarter of 2026—to reduce the shortfall.
The Village of Bloomington Board voted Dec. 1 to raise sewer rates in two phases after being told a larger increase would be needed to break even in 2026. Clerk/Treasurer Shawna Atterbury told the board a 43% increase would be required to balance the sewer fund for next year; the board instead chose to phase the increase to lessen immediate impact on ratepayers.
Dawn Drew moved and Al Mergen seconded a motion to increase both the sewer base fee and the usage rate by 22 percent in the first quarter of 2026 and by another 22 percent in the second quarter. The motion carried unanimously. Trustees Dennis Moris, Michelle Atterbury, Dawn Drew, Chasity Allen, Scott Daentl and Al Mergen voted yes; Robert McLimans was absent.
Clerk Atterbury said the board discussed whether to raise the usage rate, the base fee, or both, and that most municipalities the clerk consulted increase both concurrently. The board decided on identical percentage steps for both charges as a compromise to reduce the immediate burden on households while addressing the utility deficit.
The increase is intended to address an ongoing deficit in the sewer fund; the board did not adopt a different phased schedule or exemptions in the motion. The board’s action establishes the rate adjustments and directs staff to implement billing changes for the stated quarters of 2026. The board did not identify any additional financial assistance or hardship waivers in the public record.
The board is scheduled to meet again Jan. 5, 2026; any additional rate ordinance language, effective dates and customer notices will be finalized by staff and presented to the board as needed.
