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St. Charles residents could be headed for significantly higher water and sewer bills after the city's Committee of the Whole recommended approval of a multi-year utility rate increase Monday night.
The vote was 7-2. If approved, electric rates would actually go down. But the potential water and sewer increases are steep.
Here's what to know:
What may happen to your bill: Using a sample utility bill from city memo as an example, a typical customer currently paying $200/month for combined utilities would pay about $234 in June 2026, $269 by 2027, and nearly $300 by 2029 — a roughly 49% increase over three years. Water charges would nearly triple from $40/month to $102 per month by 2027.
The details on water rates: According to the agenda item, water base rates for most customers would increase about $13-$16 per month starting in June, or approximately 90% more than existing base rates, and then a $9-$12 per month increase in 2027 (with moderate 10% and 5% adjustments in 2029).
Lead service replacements: A big chunk of that increase is tied directly to replacing lead service lines for roughly 3,400 city water customers, an EPA-mandated 10-year program that costs about $8.4 million per year.
Sewer rates: These would climb 10% per year for three years, then 8% in 2029. The monthly sewer base charge goes from $25.57 to $28.13 in June, with usage rates and additional increases continuing each year through 2029.
At the same time, electric rates would drop 5% across all rate classes starting June 1. City staff noted that electric charges make up the largest portion of most residents' combined utility bills, so the decrease provides an offset to the water and sewer increases.
At least one committee member voted no after arguing the city hadn't adequately explored alternative revenue sources before placing the full burden on ratepayers.
Residents who want to weigh in before the final vote can attend the public hearing at the April 6 City Council meeting.
Get more details on page 342 of this agenda document.
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