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Resident urges end to 8,000‑gallon minimum on Shabbona utility bills
Summary
Resident Jan Schnoor told the village board that a minimum billing rule charges her for 8,000 gallons even though her household uses about 2,000–3,000 gallons, calling the difference “excessive and unfair.” The board assigned the matter to the finance committee for further study.
Jan Schnoor, a resident who spoke during public comment, urged the village to end a minimum‑usage rule that bills customers for 8,000 gallons per quarter even when they use far less. "I had to pay a $101.76 for 8,000 gallons instead of the $25.41 that would have cost for 2,000 gallons that I actually used," she said, calling the arrangement "very excessive and unfair."
Village officials acknowledged the complaint and said utility rates and billing structure are already on the agenda and in the packet. The village president told the board he would assign the matter to the finance committee to review options — including raising per‑unit charges while eliminating the minimum — but cautioned the committee must avoid creating a deficit that would violate EPA or loan restrictions. The clerk noted the water fund still shows a small deficit on the operating statements and that changes must preserve the village’s required reserve levels.
The board did not change rates at the meeting. The president said the finance committee will post a meeting for public participation and return recommendations to the full board.
