Politics
River North Freezes Water, Sewer Bills Through 2027 After Council Vote
The July 7 council vote freezes rates through fiscal year 2027, leaving the typical River North household water and sewer bill unchanged at current levels.
How we reported this
River North City Council members voted 7-2 on July 7 to approve Ordinance 2026-14, which freezes water and sewer rates at 2025 levels for the next fiscal year. The measure applies to all residential accounts served by the city utilities department and takes effect January 1, 2027.
Why the Vote Occurred Now
Utility revenues had risen 4 percent in the prior year because of higher wholesale electricity costs reported in the 2026 River North Utilities Department annual report. Council members reviewed that document alongside the city manager's proposed budget before the meeting. The freeze was one of three amendments offered during the session.
Residents who use an average of 6,000 gallons per month will continue to pay the same combined water and sewer charge they receive on current bills. A two-person household in the 60654 zip code, for example, will see the same line item appear on its January statement as it does today. Property owners who receive quarterly bills will likewise receive identical amounts.
Budget Figures and Next Steps
The utilities department budget projects $48.2 million in residential collections under the frozen rates, according to the adopted 2027 operating plan. That figure matches actual collections recorded for the 2025 calendar year. The council also directed staff to prepare a mid-year review in March 2027 that will compare actual consumption against those projections.
City staff will mail updated rate schedules to all residential accounts by December 15. Customers who set up automatic payments through the online portal will see the same monthly withdrawal amount continue without interruption. The ordinance includes no automatic adjustment clause, so any future change would require another council vote.
Public records from the meeting show that the vote followed public comment from 11 residents who referenced their most recent utility statements. The ordinance now moves to the mayor's desk for signature within 10 business days under city charter rules.