Kirkland considers new flat water and sewer fees, larger capital‑improvement surcharges and possible one‑time sales‑tax option

The board opened a broad discussion about utility billing structure and other revenue options to address tight finances. Trustee Fruit proposed new flat monthly rates and larger capital-improvement surcharges intended to keep increases modest for residents while aligning commercial rates with usage.

Trustee Fruit outlined the proposal, recommending a residential water flat rate of $10.00 and a sewer flat rate of $10.50, and to increase the residential capital-improvement fee from $3.00 to $10.00 and the sewer CI fee from $3.00 to $10.50. He proposed a commercial water flat rate of $12.00 and commercial sewer flat rate of $12.50 with corresponding higher CI fees for commercial accounts. "This would be the lowest rate calculations proposed for residents so they are not extensively burdened with these necessary changes," Trustee Fruit said.

President Ryan Block said he had been told a law passed in 2025 allows the village to implement a one-time 1% sales-tax increase without a referendum; he asked Attorney Matthew Walter to prepare an ordinance if the board wants to consider that option. Clerk Leslie Scidmore also raised an available ordinance the village previously passed (Ordinance 51.02) that allows a surcharge for nonresponsive customers; Trustee Benes confirmed the village can charge a $25/month or $50 per-bill surcharge for customers who do not respond within ten days to correspondence about meter repairs.