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Village of Bloomington approves phased sewer rate increases to address deficit
Summary
The Village Board voted unanimously Dec. 1 to raise both the sewer base fee and usage rate by 22% in the first quarter and another 22% in the second quarter of 2026 after the clerk said the sewer fund faces a 43% shortfall to break even.
The Village of Bloomington Board voted unanimously Dec. 1 to raise both the sewer base fee and the usage rate by 22% in the first quarter and an additional 22% in the second quarter of 2026 to address an ongoing sewer fund deficit. Clerk/Treasurer Shawna Atterbury told trustees that, based on current revenue and expense projections, a 43% increase would be required just to break even in 2026 and the board favored phasing the increase to lessen immediate impact on residents.
The board discussed whether to raise only usage charges, the base fee, or both. Atterbury said most municipalities the village consulted increase both rates simultaneously when adjusting sewer charges. After considering alternatives, Dawn Drew moved and Al Mergen seconded a motion to implement the two-step 22% increases; the motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.
Board members did not specify an estimated per-household dollar impact in the public record; the clerk provided the percentage steps and the rationale that phasing would reduce immediate burden while moving toward fiscal balance. The board set no exceptions or hardship waivers during the meeting and did not adopt a different timeline or a cap beyond the two scheduled increases.
The trustees also discussed related sanitation infrastructure work and directed staff to pursue recommended inspections tied to a longer-term road project, including televising the sanitary sewer and checking for lead water service lines before major utility work is scheduled. The board instructed Director of Public Works Keith Leitzinger to contact Delta 3 Engineering to arrange televising and solicit bids before the January meeting.
The phased rate increase was the most significant fiscal action taken at the Dec. 1 meeting. The caucus is set for Jan. 5, 2026, at 5:45 p.m., with the regular board meeting to follow at 6:00 p.m., when the village will receive engineering bids and further sewer-related recommendations if submitted.
