Buffalo Grove Water Rates Will Increase in 2013, 2014

Buffalo Grove residents’ water rates will increase beginning Jan. 1, village trustees decided Monday.

Increases will go into effect at the start of 2013 and 2014, under an amended ordinance recommended by village staff. Rates will increase by 35 percent in 2013, setting the price at $4.05 per 1,000 gallons. The increase is expected to result in an additional $13.65 charge to the average customer’s two-month bill.

Water rates will increase again by 30 percent increase in 2014, bringing the village’s combined rate to $5.26. At that time, the average customer is projected to pay $29.51 more per bill than they pay now.

The estimates are based on use of 6,500 gallons per month and the total rates include sewer charges.

Previously:

Trustee Steve Trilling noted that 1,000 gallons of tap water is the equivalent of 8,000 16-ounce bottles of water. Residents will pay roughly the same price for 1,000 gallons in 2013 as they would pay for just a couple of bottles, he said.

Trustees voted 5-0 (Les Ottenheimer was absent) in support of the increased rates. They will also consider slighter water rate increases annually beginning in 2015. The additional funds generated will help the village cover water system operating and maintenance costs and eventually allow the village to build a reserve fund.

Monday’s vote was postponed from June 18 , who thought the wording on the village’s meeting agenda should have been more specific. Monday’s agenda listed the matter in more descriptive language. Sherman was not in attendance, and no residents spoke about water rates during the meeting.