Warrenville council approves 2.5% water and sewer rate increases; receives FY2027 budget for first reading

Warrenville’s City Council on a 5‑0 voice/roll call moved to approve 2.5% increases in both water and sewer rates and to receive the FY2027 budget for first reading.

Director Dalstra told the council the recommended adjustments reduce a previously anticipated larger water increase to 2.5% and apply a 2.5% increase to sewer rates. Dalstra gave the numbers: the water commodity rate would move from $2.68 to $2.75 per 1,000 gallons and the water base from $8.72 to $8.95; the sewer commodity rate would move from $5.63 to $5.77 per 1,000. He said the changes raise expenditures in the water and sewer fund by $254,000 but that the fund is well‑funded and can absorb the increase.

Dalstra estimated the impact on a homeowner with a family of four at an annual increase of about $39.36. For sewer‑only accounts the base fee would move from $59.23 per month to $60.71, an annual increase Dalstra characterized as roughly $17.76 and a monthly change of about $1.48.

“A study this summer will look at how we do our rates now and provide recommendations for how we should do them going forward,” Dalstra said, noting staff will include any study results in future budget work.

Alderman Crockenberg moved to approve the 2.5% rate increases effective May 1, 2026, and to direct staff to present necessary code amendments at the next meeting; Alderman Wilkey seconded the motion. The clerk recorded five affirmative votes and the motion carried.

Separately, the council received the draft FY2027 budget for first reading. Director Dalstra said staff can make changes between first reading and final ordinance and that any edits would appear in the final ordinance when brought back to the council for adoption.

During the public comment period before the council took budget action, resident Bob Siebert urged state and local reform of property tax and TIF policies. Siebert cited a Cook County treasurer study he said showed property taxes rose 182% over 30 years versus inflation at 91% and warned such trends affect municipal finances and taxpayers.

Next steps: councilors will review the FY2027 budget ahead of the next meeting, when the final ordinance and any related rate ordinance amendments are expected for final action.