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Bloomington board approves two-step 44% sewer rate increase for 2026
Summary
The Village of Bloomington approved phased sewer-rate hikes—22% in Q1 and 22% in Q2 of 2026—after officials said a roughly 43% increase is needed for the sewer fund to break even; motion passed unanimously.
The Village of Bloomington board voted Dec. 1, 2025, to increase both the sewer base fee and usage rate by 22% in the first quarter of 2026 and by an additional 22% in the second quarter. Clerk/Treasurer Shawna Atterbury told the board the sewer fund would need roughly a 43% increase to break even in 2026.
Board members discussed whether to raise the usage rate, the base fee, or both and noted that many municipalities increase both simultaneously. After weighing options, Dawn Drew moved the two-phase increase and Al Mergen seconded; the motion carried unanimously. The measure is designed to spread the cost to residents across two billing periods to lessen immediate impact.
The board did not specify exact new rate numbers in the public discussion; the action directs staff to implement the increases in the stated quarters. The increase was framed as necessary to address an ongoing sewer fund deficit identified by the clerk. No dissenting votes were recorded.
