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Politics & Government

Elmhurst City Council Considers 8 Percent Water, Sewer Rate Hike

More cash from residents might flow to DuPage Water Commission.

To keep up with rate increases from the group that oversees the distribution of Lake Michigan water, the Elmhurst Finance, Council Affairs and Administrative Services Committee Monday recommended an 8 percent increase in both sewer and water rates for residents.

The committee considered a six percent increase in water rates, but wrestled with balancing the hit to resident checkbooks with the need to maintain adequate emergency reserves in the water fund. While the DuPage Water Commission brings Lake Michigan water to Elmhurst and other municipalities, the city must treat it and repump it to residents.

The city this week begins water main improvement work that will last through October.

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In April, the DuPage Water Commission approved a 10 percent increase in water rates to the 25 municipalities it supplies. Following the approval last year of legislation championed by former State Sen. Dan Cronin, the commission, which has been plagued by financial irregularities, will lose access to state sales taxes beginning in 2016.

The full City Council will consider the rate hike proposal in June.

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