The City of Oak Forest will increase its water and sewer rates on May 1 to cover the cost of operations as well as an increase from its suppliers – the City of Chicago and the Village of Oak Lawn. According to revenue policies, the city’s water and sewer fund must be a self-supporting one.
The water rates will increase from $11.12 per 1,000 gallons to $11.83 per 1,000 gallons ($.71 increase) for the first 25,000 gallons used (Tier 1), and from $12.50 per 1,000 gallons to $13.30 per 1,000 gallons ($.80 increase) for usage above 25,000 gallons (Tier 2). The sewer rate will increase from $2.20 to $2.28 per 1,000 gallons ($.08 increase).
The quarterly water base fee per individual meter will remain at $30 and the fee for multi-family unit buildings serviced by one water meter will remain at $10.
The city estimates the increase to the consumer will range between 4 percent to 5.5 percent depending on the amount of water used.