Crystal Lake eyes sewer fee hike
By BRETT ROWLAND - browland@nwherald.com
CRYSTAL LAKE – Residents could see slightly higher utility bills if the Crystal Lake City Council approves a proposed sewer and water rate increase.
The proposed rate adjustment would mean the average household bill would go up about $1.89 a month, Public Works Director Eric Lecuyer said.
The City Council will consider the rates at a meeting today along with a plan to increase water and sewer connection fees for new construction. The meeting will be at 7:30 p.m. today at City Hall, 100 W. Woodstock St.
Residents would see the rate increase on their August bills, if approved.
Augmentation of the rates are needed to make sure the city’s utility “remains viable,” Lecuyer said. The city’s cost to operate the water, sewer, lift and treatment divisions has gone up with rising energy and commodity prices. Crystal Lake also needs to pay down the debt taken on for the construction of a second wastewater treatment plant in 2003 and plan for future expansion.
The City Council increased water rates last year in an effort to minimize the financial impact of maintaining infrastructure on residents. Another review of water rates is set for next year, and bills could go up again depending on economic conditions and the City Council’s decision, Lecuyer said.
“Incrementally, we’re trying to catch up with the market,” Crystal Lake Mayor Aaron Shepley said. “Even with these increases, our prices are still far below many of our neighbors, which is a real advantage when it comes to attracting businesses.”
A consulting firm hired by the city to study water and sewer rates and connection fees recommended both be increased. Under the plan before the City Council, the connection structure would be based on a residential equivalent connection rather than the number of plumbing fixtures per home.
The new formula is designed to make the rates easier to calculate and more equitable. City staff recommend the sewer connection fee for the average single-family home be increased about $86 to $4,733. The recommended water connection fee is $3,428 a home, about $584 higher than the current fee, according to city documents.
If approved by the City Council, Crystal Lake’s combined water and sewer connection fees would total about $8,406 a home. That is lower than neighboring municipalities such as Lakewood, Lake in the Hills, and Algonquin. Lakewood charges about $20,670 a home, according to city documents.
Monthly sewer and water bill at 5,000 gallons a month
Lakewood: $88.40
Fox River Grove: $47.63
Harvard: $43.25
Lake in the Hills: $39.72
Cary: $31.95
Woodstock: $30.55
McHenry: $30.25
Crystal Lake proposed: $30.25
Algonquin: $29.80
Crystal Lake current: $28.36
Source: Study done on behalf of the City of Crystal Lake by Ruekert-Mielke
