Lake Forest residents are set to face higher water and sewer costs later this year after the City Council took the first step toward a rate increase.
The council unanimously approved the first reading of an across-the-board 6.75 % increase in water and sewer rates at its Feb. 2 meeting.
“Average residential homeowners should expect to see an annual increase ranging from $34 to $110 per year, or $8.50 to $27.50 per quarterly bill, depending on the volume of water consumption,” Finance Director Katie Skibbe explained in an e-mail.
City officials estimate the increase will generate just over $620,000 in additional revenue in fiscal year 2027.
Skibbe noted that about 95 % of city residents have small water meters, though the exact impact of the increase will depend on how much water a household uses. The city uses small-, medium-, and high-usage tiers for residential customers.
Officials said rising costs for water treatment chemicals, daily operations, and staffing — combined with largely flat water sales — have put pressure on the system. The city is also preparing to begin a water rate and financial planning study to examine long-term system needs.
“This increase is not a one-year solution or a final answer,” Skibbe said at the council meeting. “It allows us to maintain the system today while completing the technical and financial work that we need to do to have a meaningful long-term conversation about infrastructure replacement, rate design and how the water fund is structured.”
The proposal did not face opposition from the council members.
“As a council member, we don’t always want to see increased charges to residents,” Alderwoman Eileen Looby Weber (4th) said. “However, I am very proud of the fact that the city takes a proactive approach in looking at our infrastructure and being able to fund this in a very meaningful way.”
A final vote is scheduled for the council’s Feb. 17 meeting. If approved, the new rates would take effect May 1.
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
