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First Reading and Approval of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 26 ("Water"), Article 2 ("Charges and Collections"), of the Oak Park Village Code Regarding the Rates for Water and Sewer Services
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Introduction
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This Ordinance proposes a change to both the fixed water meter fee and the volumetric rate charged for Water and Sewer services for 2026. Staff proposes a 5% increase to the volumetric Water & Sewer rate in anticipation of a City of Chicago wholesale water rate increase and a 100% increase to the fixed water meter fee.
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Recommended Action
Approve the ordinance.
Prior Board Action
Fees for Water & Sewer rates were last increased on January 1, 2025, which were approved by the Village Board in November 2024 (ORD 24-157) and based on the estimated Consumer Price Index.
Background
Public Works staff posted a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the 2025 Water & Sewer Rate Study in late January to engage a qualified consulting firm to provide an independent analysis of existing rates and fees and recommend appropriate adjustments in rate levels and/or structures. In mid-February, Public Works staff interviewed two of the three qualified, responsive firms: NewGen Strategies and Solutions and Raftelis. After careful review and deliberation, Public Works chose to move forward with NewGen Strategies and Solutions based on their submittal, qualifications, informative interview, and reference check.
As part of the initial phase of the 2025 Water & Sewer Rate Study, Public Works staff requested that NewGen evaluate the Water & Sewer Fund's existing financial and operating information, develop goals for the Water & Sewer Fund based on that analysis, and make a recommendation for the 2026 Water & Sewer rates. While the Village has been able to maintain a healthy Water & Sewer fund balance over the past few years, it is clear that rising costs due to inflation, forthcoming regulatory mandates, and aging infrastruc...
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