Macomb, IL – Macomb might soon charge more for water. Aldermen next week will hold first reading of an ordinance for a 15% water rate hike for Macomb residents.
City Administrator Dean Torreson says the rate hike would add an average of $3.70 to the monthly bill for a family of five.
The monthly charge would also rise for those outside Macomb who use the city's water, such as Colchester and Georgetown residents.
The city says there are three reasons for the proposed water rate hikes:
1) Eliminate the structural operating deficit in the water fund.
2) Fund the Water Facility Plan improvements.
3) Achieve a six months operating expense fund reserve.
The proposed water fee hike for the coming fiscal year (which begins May 1) would be followed by smaller increases in the coming years.
You can listen to the water rate increase discussion from the city council's March 10 Committee of the Whole meeting by clicking on the audio button.
Additional information:
*One resident complained about the proposal during the committee meeting. Mark Sweeney said the suggested increase comes on top of a 7% hike last year.
*It will cost an estimated $10 million to complete the water plant improvements over the next several years. The city will either borrow money or issue bonds.
*Torreson hopes to build a cash balance of about $1 million within the next five years.
*The city council next week will also consider a hike in solid waste collection fees. Aldermen will hold second and final reading on the plan, which would increase those fees from $11.07 per month per household to $16.75.