By Howard Packowitz

NORMAL – Water rates are on the rise in Normal starting April 1 despite objections from two town council members.

Council member Scott Preston said the fund used to pay for water projects has sufficient reserves this coming year, so he doesn’t think the two percent increase is necessary while a comprehensive rate study is finished in the next year or two.

“When I look at our five-year projections, it doesn’t look like in the first year that this two percent increase is needed,” said Preston.

Council member Kathleen Lorenz wanted to spare property owners sticker shock from fee increases for other government services.

“I would still advocate for a pause on this annual bump in light of some of the other fee increases that we’ve had to put in play for rate restructures on sewer and garbage, as well, since that all hits the same bill,” Lorenz said.

One of the four council members who voted for the increase, Kevin McCarthy, said it’s important to maintain solid reserves and levy incremental rate hikes instead of much larger ones.

“I’d like to say on a relatively minor, pretty minor, increase to make sure that we don’t fall behind and have to really sock it to the Normal taxpayers at one time,” said McCarthy.

Council member Jeff Fritzen also emphasized the need to keep enough reserves on hand to repair major water system breakdowns, should they occur.

“Especially since we’ve positioned ourselves the way we have since the last study, it’s prudent to continue that course until another more in-depth study can be completed,” Fritzen said.

Town staffers say the average household consuming 5,000 gallons of water will pay 77 cents more per month, or an extra $9.24 for the year.

The increase will generate an estimated $186,000 for the water fund.

Also voting for the higher rates were R.C. McBride and Chemberly Cummings. Mayor Chris Koos did not attend Monday night’s meeting.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]