Riverside amends water and sewer fee schedule, citing supplier rate and infrastructure needs

Director Zavala presented an overview of the Water and Sewer Fund, noting it is an enterprise fund funded by user fees and does not draw from property tax revenue. Staff reported the village of McCook, from which Riverside purchases water, increased its rate by 11¢ per 1,000 gallons. Zavala said the village budget includes $16,000,000 for critical replacements and recommended smoothing rate increases to limit the immediate impact on residents.

Staff recommended raising the water rate from $21.31 to $21.97 per 1,000 gallons and the sewer rate from $5.50 to $5.58 per 1,000 gallons (a 2.76% increase). The minimum bimonthly bill for 4,000 gallons would be $110.20; the average bimonthly bill (8,228 gallons) would be $226.68, representing annual increases of about $17.76 for a minimum bill and $36.53 for an average bill, per materials presented.

Trustees reviewed comparative rates from neighboring municipalities and asked questions about cost drivers. A motion to adopt the amended fee schedule was moved, seconded and approved by roll call.