For the third time in just over two years, the village of Western Springs has decided to charge more money for water use in order to cut into a $326,000 deficit in the village water fund, which is designed be self-sustaining.
The Village Board voted unanimously Monday to increase rates $1.90 per 1,000 gallons used, raising fees from $10.10 to $12.
The board also added a separate $5 increase per bill to fund water system maintenance and future capital water improvements to pay for future upgrades such as new water meters. Village water bills are sent out every other month.
This latest increase marks the third water rate hike since fall 2014, when rates were $8.10 per 1,000 gallons. The rates have gone up almost $4 since then. Both of the latest increases are set to go into effect on Feb. 1.
This latest increase would push minimum water bills, with the rate increase and the $5 capital fund increase, from $40.40 to $48.00 based on a minimum of 4,000 gallons billed, officials said.
Village Trustee James Horvath, who also serves as the chairman of the village’s Finance Committee, said the latest rate increase is required in order to cut into a $326,000 deficit in the 2016 water fund.
“We are optimistic that this increase will drastically cut into, or eliminate that deficit altogether,” Horvath said.
Western Springs is unique because the village uses water from existing wells purified at its own water plant, and does not purchase Lake Michigan water from Chicago, which raised its rates more than 30 percent over the last two years.
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Because of this, Village President Bill Rodeghier said the plant must operate self-sufficiently, with revenue from water rates being the sole-source of funding for the water system.
“These new rates are our best estimate on what will be needed to sustain the financial obligations of the water system for the immediate future,” he said.
The village is also responsible for paying back an $8 million loan to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency used to help pay for the new water plant, which opened in 2015.
The new increase does include, for the first time, a discount on water rates for senior citizens, Horvath said. The $9 rate fee is eligible for those over age 65 who meet the same income requirements that Cook County uses for its senior exemption discounts on property tax bills. Horvath said seniors can apply for the discount at the Village Hall, or on the village website.
The board also approved a $15 increase in vehicle sticker fees, which officials said is the first increase since 1998, bumping up the cost from $35 to $50. Finance director Grace Turi indicated the increase would bring about $287,000 annually.
The village also offers a $5 discount on village stickers for senior citizens as well, regardless of income, Horvath said.
David Heitz is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.