Errors in the water utility’s model rate mean a higher-than-expected water bill coming for Naperville residents.
The rate schedule, which started this May, contained mistakes such as revenue streams showing up twice and non-metered water losses being excluded.
The Naperville City Council recently voted in favor of an increase to the rate to make up for a $3 million shortfall due to the error.
That means an average homeowner would pay $5 each year in addition to the rate increase passed in May.
“We need to make sure that the water is obviously clean and healthy and that the utility itself has a structurally balanced budget. That’s very important, so that their expenses are not outpacing the revenues,” said Linda LaCloche, communications manager for the City of Naperville.
The plan for the new phosphorus surcharge, which was implemented in May, will not change due to the error.
This year the charge was 50 cents. It will increase to $1 in 2018 and $1.80 in 2019, 2020 and 2021.
The rate increase will begin in January.
Naperville News 17’s Beth Bria reports.