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Bloomington board approves phased sewer-rate hikes to cover 2026 shortfall
Summary
The Village of Bloomington voted unanimously Dec. 1 to raise sewer base and usage charges in two 22% steps during 2026 after officials said a 43% increase would be needed to break even next year.
The Village Board of Bloomington on Dec. 1 approved phased increases to sewer rates to address a projected 2026 deficit. Clerk/Treasurer Shawna Atterbury told the board that "a 43% increase would be needed just to break even in 2026," and the board voted to apply two 22% increases, one in the first quarter and a second in the second quarter of 2026. The motion, made by Dawn Drew and seconded by Al Mergen, passed unanimously.
Board members discussed whether to raise both the usage rate and the base fee; Atterbury said other municipalities typically increase both simultaneously when adjusting sewer charges. The board settled on a two-phase approach to lessen the immediate burden on households while addressing the fund shortfall. The board did not adopt alternative offsets or one-time transfers at the meeting.
The rate change was approved by a recorded motion with all members present voting in favor. The board will implement billing updates in accordance with their chosen schedule for the first and second quarters of 2026 and will revisit fiscal impacts as revenue and expenses are realized.
