DeKalb residents are set to pay more for tap water after the City Council this week approved a 3.5% increase in water fees. For the average single-family household, that works out to about $1.55 more each month, bringing a typical bill to roughly $45.52. City officials say the added revenue is needed to keep up with rising operating costs and to help fund repairs and planned capital projects.
Ordinance 2026-015, included in the council’s April 27 meeting packet, raises the water rate from $4.53 to $4.69 per unit and bumps the monthly water service fee from $7.73 to $8.00. The packet shows that those changes would move an average customer’s monthly bill from $43.97 to $45.52. As laid out in the City of DeKalb materials, staff recommended the change to help cover system maintenance and capital work.
Second Ward Alderwoman Barb Larson told Shaw Local she believes the council explored “every avenue” before settling on the increase, and City Manager Bill Nicklas said officials are “committed to funding capital” with the new revenue. The outlet also reported that the council approved a 3.8% increase in 2025, making this the latest in a string of annual adjustments. Residents at the meeting pressed officials on whether the timing and size of the hike were fair, according to the reporting.
Why the city says it’s necessary
City staff told council members that costs for materials, equipment, and repairs have climbed while billed water use dipped in early 2026, putting added strain on the Water Fund. The March Consumer Price Index was up 3.3% year over year, underscoring rising costs nationwide, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Staff recommended a 3.5% adjustment now to avoid deeper shortfalls as the city continues with water-main replacements and other capital projects.
How DeKalb stacks up
With the new rates, DeKalb’s average monthly water charge lands roughly in line with neighboring towns. Sycamore and DeKalb are both listed at about $45.52 a month, Sugar Grove at $46.08, and Elburn near $49.76, among others. Those comparisons and the city’s calculations were reported by Shaw Local, which reviewed the council packet.
Where to get help or pay your bill
Customers who need assistance can contact the Finance Department and Utility Billing office at 815-748-2085. The city offers a utility-assistance program for eligible seniors and people with disabilities, and accepts online, phone, and in-person payments at City Hall. For details on payment options, assistance eligibility, and account management, visit the City of DeKalb.
Officials say the increase will help shore up the Water Fund while the city pushes ahead with repairs and lead-service-line replacements. For residents feeling the pinch of another rate bump, full council agendas and meeting packets are posted on the city’s website for anyone who wants to dig into the numbers or follow future votes.
