THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2008

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Trickle Down Effect

Niles Ready To Hike Water Rates Following Boost From Chicago

A typical household in Niles will pay an extra $44 each year due to a 9% water rate increase the village board expected to approve at the meeting on Tuesday, Apr. 22.

"The primary reason is Chicago increased the rate 15% to us," explained Finance Director Scott Neukirch. The water bills also provide for maintaining the water system and future infrastructure needs.

Currently, residents pay $3.85 per 1,000 gallons of water. That amount will increase to $4.20 per 1,000 gallons beginning June 1.

"On the revenue side, that increase should bring in about an additional $800,000," Neukirch said. Niles bills residents every three months. For a typical household, "The bill would go from $115 to $126," he said.

Neukirch added that in a survey of 32 local communities, Niles ranked 25 in water billing rates.