Residents will soon be paying more for water and sewer services after the Mokena Village Board approved rate increases for the new fiscal year.

The board voted unanimously on June 9 to adopt an ordinance that raises the municipal water rate by 30 cents, from $8.80 to $9.10 per 1,000 gallons. The sewer rate will also increase by 15 cents, from $4.90 to $5.05 per 1,000 gallons. The new rates take effect July 1, 2025, and customers will see the changes reflected on their August utility bills.

During the meeting, Trustee Josh M. Bailey sought to clarify the reason for the hike.

“That’s just a pass-through, right?” Bailey asked. “That is the City of Chicago raising rates and it’s just getting passed through for the water rates.”

Village Administrator John Tomasoski confirmed that the water rate increase is a direct result of cost increases from its suppliers. Mokena purchases Lake Michigan water, and a 4% rate increase from the City of Chicago, which amounts to 19 cents per 1,000 gallons, is the primary driver. Additional delivery component increases from Oak Lawn and Tinley Park make up the rest of the 30-cent adjustment.

Tomasoski clarified, however, that the 15-cent increase to the sewer rate is a local adjustment and not a pass-through cost. The sewer operating fund is projected to end Fiscal Year 2026 with a 24% fund balance, just below the village’s 25% target.