Elmwood Park council approves 10% water-rate increase on final reading; one councilmember objects

The Elmwood Park mayor and council approved an ordinance on April 17 to amend the borough's water-department rates and regulations on final reading, a change the meeting record describes as a 10% increase to water bills.

Councilmember Fasolo announced during the roll call that he would vote no, saying, "This is a 10% increase in the water on your water bill, so I'm gonna be voting no." The ordinance passed on final reading by roll call with the remaining councilmembers recorded as voting yes.

Council President Pellegreen moved the ordinance on final reading; Councilman Sampson seconded the motion. No member recorded an abstention or recusal during the vote. The council did not record additional detail at the meeting about the ordinance's implementation timeline or exemptions; the clerk was directed to advertise the final action as required by law.

Officials framed the item as a standard update to water rates under the borough's code; the ordinance was reintroduced previously and taken up at this meeting on final reading. Council members opposing the increase urged ongoing monitoring of household costs, and supporters said the amendment aligns the water department's rates with necessary service funding.