DeKalb Council Approves 3.5 Percent Water Rate Increase

DEKALB — The DeKalb City Council last week approved an ordinance increasing water rates and service fees by 3.5 percent as the city continues to address rising operational and infrastructure costs in the water fund. City staff said the adjustment raises the average single family monthly water bill from $43.97 to $45.52, an increase of about $1.55, and updates the water rate from $4.53 to $4.69 per unit and the monthly service fee from $7.73 to $8.00, with proportional increases for larger meters. Officials said the water fund relies on more than 95 percent of its revenue from water sales and service fees, and recent increases in material, equipment, and maintenance costs, along with a decline in water usage in early 2026, have placed added pressure on the system.