BOURBONNAIS – Due to the continuation of increased sewer operating costs and refuse service
costs, the village will propose a rate increase at the board meeting scheduled for Monday, August
3, 2020, to cover the growing expenses. The recommended increase will total $2.00 per month
for a single, residential property within the Village of Bourbonnais.
Current residential, single family homes pay a monthly flat rate fee of $66.00, inclusive of sewer and refuse services. If approved, the rate increase will become effective beginning September 1, 2020 to allow residents and businesses adequate time in preparing for the adjustment. The last rate increase went into effect August 2019.
“Unfortunately, we don’t drive these costs,” explained Mayor Paul Schore. “For convenience, the
village provides one monthly bill to residents and businesses; however, it is a pass-through of
costs that we are billed from KRMA (Kankakee River Metropolitan Agency) for wastewater
treatment and Republic Services for garbage and waste removal services.”
The proposed monthly $0.75 sewer rate increase would alter the village residential rate to
$42.00 from $41.25 monthly. This is a result of a billing increase from KRMA in the amount of
$11,500 per month. The Village of Bourbonnais currently pays $212,000 per month to KRMA, an
increase from the fiscal year 2020 cost of $200,500 per month.
The proposed monthly $1.25 refuse rate increase would alter the village residential rate to
$26.00 from $24.75. This is a result of increased fees and contractual rates from refuse
contractor, Republic Services in the amount of $6,250 per month, or $75,000 for the year. The
current village contract with Republic Services concludes in April 2021.
Finance Director, Tara Latz, added, “Costs continue to rise. The village has very limited options
other than passing these costs to the consumers. We are cognizant of the challenges everyone
faces today, and we are only trying to ensure that the adjustments we make are absolutely
necessary. This also reinforces the notion that a fairer approach to utility billing is something to be
discussed.”
