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Village Board approves phased sewer-rate increase after officials cite 43% shortfall
Summary
The Village Board voted unanimously Dec. 1 to raise both sewer base and usage rates by 22% in Q1 2026 and another 22% in Q2 after Clerk Atterbury said a 43% rise would be needed to break even next year.
The Village Board voted unanimously on Dec. 1 to increase both the sewer base fee and the usage rate by 22% in the first quarter of 2026 and by a further 22% in the second quarter.
Clerk/Treasurer Shawna Atterbury told the board that the sewer fund is operating at a deficit and that a 43% overall increase would be required to break even in 2026. After discussing options, the board chose a two-step approach to spread the impact on households. The motion was made by Dawn Drew and seconded by Al Mergen; all members present voted in favor.
Board members debated whether to raise only the usage rate or both the base and usage fees; Atterbury said other municipalities usually increase both simultaneously when adjusting rates. The phased increases mean residents will see stepwise adjustments early next year while the board monitors revenue and expenses.
The board did not specify exact billing dates in the motion; Clerk Atterbury and village staff will implement the rate change and report back with administrative details. The increase is intended to address structural shortfalls in the sewer fund and avoid further service reductions or deferred maintenance.
