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Mount Carroll council approves changes to water, sewer and garbage rates
Summary
The council adopted Ordinance No. 2026‑04‑01 to adjust water and sewer debt service and capital fees and to modify garbage collection rates. The measure passed 5–1; Treasurer Schneider said the rates were calculated using budgeted revenue and expenses and the ordinance’s effective date was confirmed as June 1, 2026.
The Mount Carroll City Council voted 5–1 on April 14 to adopt Ordinance No. 2026‑04‑01, a package of changes to water and sewer debt service and capital fees, basic water and sewer charges, and garbage collection rates. Alderman Paul Kaczmarski and a majority of the council approved the ordinance; Alderman Jeff Elliott cast the lone no vote.
Treasurer Schneider told council members the proposed rates “were calculated utilizing the revenue and expense as provided in the budgets” and said revenue has increased in part because of a new multi‑unit rate and the opening of the Shimer Square Apartments. Alderman Elliott said he was concerned about the time available to review the documents before the vote.
Council members briefly debated the balance of several funds. Schneider explained that lowering the Debt Service and Waste Water Treatment Plant rates was intended to offset required increases in the basic water and sewer charges to properly balance the funds and to use excess balances that had previously covered negative Water and Sewer fund balances.
The ordinance language shown on the meeting agenda initially listed an earlier effective date; Alderman Jody Wolber pointed out an inconsistency, and Treasurer Schneider said the ordinance itself—approved by the City Attorney—sets the correct effective date as June 1, 2026 to provide at least 30 days' public notice.
The measure passed by roll call: Aldermen Kaczmarski, Buss, Soenksen, Wolber and Bergren voted yes; Alderman Elliott voted no. The council did not include further amendments at the meeting and directed staff to publish the ordinance and notice of the new rates.
