Currently on the agenda for the Tuesday, March 28, 2017
village board meeting there is a motion for a $1 per 1000 gallon water rate
reduction. The village board passed a $2 rate increase a few years back to help
pay for the water treatment plant improvements with a promise to the residents
that if there was a loan forgiveness or if the loan was paid the $2 increase
would not be needed and returned.
The water treatment plant improvements are complete and Sauk
Village has received nearly $4 million in forgiveness or grants that went
towards the 4.8 million dollar loan. Currently Sauk Village only owes approx.
$900,000 and the water improvement loan monthly repayment scheduled has been
reduced to match the new amount.
Now, is the time to give back to the residents however, some
board members still have a problem with giving back after they have taken. This
Tuesday you have an opportunity to have your voice heard. Last Tuesday’s
committee meeting some Trustees and their running mates in this next election
had their family and friends speak out in keeping and implementing further
increases for Lake Michigan Water. These candidates and individuals have no
plan, timeline or updated costs however, they make excuses for not giving back
what they promised.
At the forum last Saturday, two candidates for Mayor stated
they didn’t have enough information however, this topic was discussed in length
at last Tuesday’s committee meeting and all questions were answered.
Below is an average break down for the $1 per 1000 gallon in
water rates.
Based on the last 12 months of water usage data the
following would be the average breakdown per household.
- Looking at the rate reduction from the village side
- Current rates - $7.50 per 1000 gallons
- Recommended water rate reduction $6.50 per 1000 gallons
- If passed, the village would receive $147,711 less when compared to the last 12 months water usage however, would still be collecting $1 per 1000 gallons or $147,711 per year to pay on a $60,000 yearly payment (more than 2X’s the yearly payment).
- Now let’s look at how the residents would be affected.
- $1 per 1000 gallons reduction
- Average saved based on 3000 households ($147,711 / 3000 billing houses / 6 payments =)
- Approx. $8 per billing cycle or $4 per month
- Approx. $50 per household a year
Doesn’t sound like a lot per household….so why are Trustees
going back on their word?
Note: The above is only an average and some households may
have less or higher usage. Example: A family of four or more would use more
water than a senior which may only have one of two living in the house.
