Higher water rates are coming to Montgomery

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Updated: August 4, 2011 4:20PM

MONTGOMERY — Along with so many other rising prices, the price of water will be going up for residents.

Village staff told trustees this week about the unexpected hike coming in water bills, which go out every two months.

The increases were part of an ordinance passed in December 2009. The increased rates were found to be a necessity after a summer study on water rate usage in the village.

“The study showed we weren’t raising revenue through our billing to cover operating costs and capital costs for those systems,” said Jeff Zoephel, director of finance.

The 2009 ordinance called for an increase of 70 cents per 1,000 gallons used, then a 50 cent increase in 2011.

When city staff began the water billing for 2011, they discovered the second part of that ordinance was never approved.

“We are bringing back an ordinance to implement the 50 cent increase at the April 25 meeting that would take effect (retroactive to) March 1,” Zoephel said.

The hike would be seen on June 1 bills.

If the Village Board does not OK the increase, staff would have to cut already approved projects from the budget.