Following a public hearing on April 6, the Village Board approved the Fiscal Year 2026–2027 budget, which takes effect May 1, 2026. The budget was developed over a series of public workshop meetings in February and March and continues to support the services and infrastructure that residents rely on every day.
The Village’s General Fund remains balanced and supports essential services including police protection, roadway maintenance, snow removal, permit review, code enforcement, and other day-to-day operations. The budget does not increase the Village’s property tax rate.
Water & Sewer Rate Adjustment
The Village also approved an adjustment to water and sewer rates, effective May 1, 2026.
Updated rates:
- Water: $9.92 per 1,000 gallons
- Sewer: $5.36 per 1,000 gallons
This represents an increase of 4%, or $0.59 per 1,000 gallons combined.
Residents will first see the updated rates reflected on water bills issued by June 30, 2026. Even with this adjustment, Carol Stream’s water and sewer rates remain among the lowest in DuPage County.
What This Means for Residents
For a typical household using 5,000 gallons of water per month, the adjustment is estimated to increase the monthly bill by approximately $2.95.
Actual impacts will vary based on water usage.
Why Rates Are Adjusted
The Village owns and operates its water and sewer utility system, which is funded through user charges—not property taxes. Periodic adjustments help ensure the system remains reliable, efficient, and financially sustainable.
This year’s adjustment supports:
- Ongoing operation and maintenance of the water and sewer system
- Rising costs associated with water supply and treatment
- Continued investment in infrastructure and long-term system reliability
Continued Investment in Infrastructure
In addition to supporting daily services, the Village maintains a long-term Capital Improvement Program (CIP) focused on maintaining and improving infrastructure, including roadways, sidewalks, bike paths, stormwater systems, and public facilities.
These investments help ensure reliable services today while planning for the future.
Learn More
View the full Fiscal Year 2026–2027 Budget on our website.
