Bloomington homeowners expected to see utility rates increase by $70 a year

Bloomington leaders are set to vote on utility rate increases that would add about $70 a year for the average homeowner.

The Bloomington City Council is set to hold a public hearing Monday night on the proposed increases. 

“By the way, it’s not an accident that the Vikings are playing football today, and they’re hosting this kind of conversation,” Tom Kendall said.

“Explain to us why we need the price increase?” Susan Kilby added.

City officials said operating costs, aging infrastructure, and rising water treatment costs left Bloomington with no other choice but to raise rates. Deputy Finance Officer Kari Carlson said the city could not maintain the same level of utility service without increasing costs.

Under the city’s proposed plan, water rates would rise 3%, stormwater rates 4%, garbage and solid waste rates 4% and wastewater rates 9%. The total increas...