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Bloomington board told sewer utility faces $60,808 projected loss; decision on rate increases delayed
Summary
Village leaders were told the sewer utility is projecting a $60,808 net loss for the coming year and that covering it with rates would require a 42.35% increase; the board postponed a final decision until December to gather more detailed impact information.
Village President Robert McLimans told the board the sewer utility is projecting a net loss of $60,808 for the coming year and that covering that shortfall through rates would require a 42.35% increase.
Clerk Shawna Atterbury clarified that sewer rates, unlike water rates, are set by the village and not by the Public Service Commission, meaning the board has discretion over rate design. The board discussed whether to apply increases to the base quarterly fee (currently $61.58) or to usage charges; Clerk Atterbury recommended focusing on the usage fee rather than changing the base rate.
Board members reviewed prior phased increases implemented this year (15% in the first quarter and 15% in the second quarter, following a 10% increase in the prior fourth quarter). Given the magnitude of the additional increase needed to close the projected gap, the board voted to postpone a decision until its December meeting so staff can supply more precise data on the impact of a 42.35% adjustment and how it could be structured.
The board did not adopt new sewer rates at the Nov. 3 meeting; members asked staff to prepare detailed rate scenarios for the December meeting.
