Chicago Water Rates Increase 15% (FranklinParkHeraldJournal)

Jan.22, 2009 in Public Works, Water Industry, Water Rates

(Jan. 22, 2009, Franklin Park Herald-Journal)

As Chicago increases water rates to municipalities by 15 percent, Franklin Park residents will see a 7.5 percent increase in their water bills.

Franklin Park receives its water from Chicago, which in 2007 approved increasing water charges 15 percent in 2008, 15 percent in 2009 and 14 percent in 2010.

For Franklin Park residents, the monthly rate for water and sewage for single-family and two-family dwelling units will be

$4.30 per month instead of $4.

The water rate is increasing by 20 cents per 100 cubic feet of water delivered to $2.60 from $2.40

The monthly sewer charge is increasing 10 cents, to $1.50 from $1.40

“This represents an 7.5 percent increase,” said Comptroller David Hough. “The village left the minimum amount charged the same.”

The minimum monthly charge is $8 for single-family and two-family dwellings use and $10 for multi-family buildings.

“With Chicago, every year it’s something,” said Village President Dan Pritchett. “I have to question whether their cost conveyance is actually increasing 15 percent, but I suspect they’re increasing the rate to help balance their budget.

“We try to absorb some of the rate increase,” he said. “We have to add something, but not 15 percent.

“And this is a reminder that water no longer is cheap.”

(Original Article Here)