Lake Forest City Council members mull water and sewer rate increases to cover rising costs

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.