ALBION — Residents will see their water and sewer bills tick upward starting later this year following a unanimous decision by the Board of Trustees on Wednesday, March 12. The Board approved the 2025-2026 budgets for the village’s water and sewer funds, which include a roughly 7% increase in consumption rates for most users. The decision comes as the village grapples with the financial realities of maintaining its municipal utility infrastructure. Under the new rates, the cost for water usage inside the village will rise from $3.90 to $4.20 per 1,000 gallons. Sewer rates inside the village will increase from $4.25 to $4.55 per 1,000 gallons. While the usage rates are climbing, the Board decided to hold the line on administrative fees. The flat "customer charges" billed to residents based on their meter size will remain unchanged. For the majority of residential customers with a ¾-inch meter, that base fee will stay at $33.60 per month for water and $26.00 per month for sewer. According to the financial data presented during the meeting, the village anticipates collecting approximately $2.2 million in water revenue and $1.27 million in sewer revenue during the upcoming fiscal year. The revenue projections are based on usage data that treats the Albion Correctional Facility as a single commercial customer. The facility remains a significant utility user, contributing heavily to the consumption base that keeps rates stable for residential customers. The Board also maintained the rate structure for the Northwoods and Creekwood districts. Residents in these areas will continue to pay a premium for sewer service compared to in-village users, with the rate set at $6.49 per 1,000 gallons. The approved increases mirror adjustments seen in previous years as the village balances the need for infrastructure repairs with the impact on ratepayers. The 30-cent per 1,000 gallon hike is consistent with the goal of incrementally raising revenue to cover rising operational expenses. The new rates will go into effect for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, which typically begins June 1. Residents will see the changes reflected in their bills starting in the summer months.