Flossmoor Board Passes Storm Utility Fee

The Village Board voted unanimously in favor of a new storm water utility fee during their May 16 meeting.

The rate of the new fee is $1.50 per 1,000 gallons of water used. According to Flossmoor Public Works Director George Peluso, the average monthly water consumption of a Flossmoor residence is 8,000 gallons.

As a result, Flossmoor residents will now be required to pay an average of $12 extra per month on their water bills. Peluso said the revenue will generate an estimated $450,000 per year.

According to Peluso, the new fee will help alleviate the financial burdens of the current, stretched budget, an aging storm water infrastructure and unfunded mandates from both the state and federal governments.

Trustee Jim Mitros was the only board member to offer commentary on the proposal before its passage.

"I am in favor of this," Mitros said. "But i would like to have a restricted portion for capital improvements."

Finance Director Scott  Bordui informed the board that there is already a foundation for such a restricted portion built into the proposal. He suggested the board develop a finance and facilities plan to determine the restricted portion so that it remains distinct. 

The concept of the new fee was discussed at length during the April 18 board meeting. Mayor Paul Braun had previously expressed concern over the introduction of a new fee in a floundering economy, but he said it is a necessary step in preventing future financial ruin.

“I have to say that all of us (board members) take very, very seriously any time that we have to talk about any increases of any costs to our residents,” said Braun. “I hate to see any increase in cost at this point, but I think going forward … since we continue to avoid debt, which is a very good policy, this is something that the board should consider to (approve).”

Peluso weighed in on the necessity during the April 18 meeting as well.

“The fee corrects a structural imbalance in the Village’s finances between revenues and the cost to provide a major utility service,” Peluso wrote. “Further, in light of the recent presentation of the village’s five-year financial projection, the proposed fee is expected to help alleviate a portion of theprojected budgetary deficits in the General Fund as a result of segregating these utility costs.”

The implementation of the new fee will be contingent on upcoming water bill cycles.