Bloomington board to forward updated utility ordinance as sewer fund faces projected 30% shortfall

Village President Robert McLimans said the board would send an updated utility ordinance, including water and sewer schedules, to the village attorney after staff verify current rates.

The move follows review of a tariff prepared by Johnson Block that includes a "water lateral installation charge" allowing the utility to recover the actual cost of installing a lateral when not covered by subdivision contributions, McLimans said. He told trustees a prior effort to secure a flat installation fee from the Public Service Commission was denied.

Clerk/Treasurer Shawna Atterbury told trustees the sewer schedule in the draft ordinance did not match the village's current charges: the draft listed a fixed quarterly charge of $36 and a volume charge of $3.60 per 1,000 gallons, whereas the village currently charges a $61.58 fixed quarterly fee and $6.73 per 1,000 gallons. Atterbury asked that the rates be verified; McLimans and Atterbury agreed to call Mr. Hoppman at Delta 3 together to reconcile the figures before the ordinance is finalized.

The discussion also touched on utility finances. Under the proposed budget reviewed by the clerk and village accountant, the water utility is projected to show a $66,650 net income, while the sewer utility is projected to record roughly a 30% loss even after a series of rate increases (10% in Q4 2024, 15% in Q1 2025 and 15% in Q2 2025), Atterbury said.

Trustees voted to forward the updated ordinance, with verified water and sewer schedules, to Attorney Wood for final adjustments prior to approval. The motion to forward the ordinance was made by Village President Robert McLimans and seconded by Trustee Dennis Moris; all present voted in favor.

The board directed staff to verify the correct rates with Delta 3 and to return the ordinance for action after Attorney Wood’s revisions. The village expects to present final figures and a revised ordinance at the November board meeting.