Homer Glen seeks federal funds for sewers, water rate relief
Homer Glen is seeking $3 million in federal grants to build a one-mile sanitary sewer extension and another $1 million in federal funding to provide financial relief to seniors burdened by high water bills.
The grant money is not guaranteed, but applying for federal funds is a step in the process of reducing the village’s reliance on private septic systems or intergovernmental agreements with other businesses and communities, village officials said.
The Village Board approved the funding requests Wednesday, a day after its private water provider, Illinois American Water, announced it was seeking a rate increase from the Illinois Commerce Commission.
Illinois American Water serves about 6,000 homes in Homer Glen, and village officials and residents have long complained about high water bills. Homer Glen has worked with the Illinois Attorney General’s Office on numerous resident billing concerns, including inexplicably high water bills, meter errors and inadequate customer service.
Illinois American Water is requesting new rates from the ICC to support approximately $577 million in water and wastewater system investments through December 2027.
The company serves more than 1.3 million people in 148 communities across Illinois.
Among the improvements are replacing 42 miles of aging water and wastewater pipes and upgrading storage tanks, wells, pump stations, fire hydrants, meters and wastewater treatment plants, a company news release states.
If approved, the typical residential customer using 3,500 gallons of water would see an increase of about $14 per month, depending on the service area. Typical customers served by sanitary wastewater systems using 3,500 gallons of water would see an increase of about $28 per month, the release said.
Homer Glen officials said Wednesday they plan to fight the proposed rate hikes with the ICC and urged residents to do the same.
“Please contact them (and) let them know that we oppose this rate increase,” Trustee Curt Mason said.
The village is also working to take steps to reduce its dependence on other jurisdictions.
“The village is actively working to develop solutions to address affordability and service issues,” said Trustee Mike Lepore. “And this is 100% aimed at achieving meaningful relief for residents facing rapidly increasing water and sewer bills.” »
Homer Glen has a contract with Lockport to treat wastewater through 2030 and plans to have its own wastewater treatment plant operational by then, Village Attorney Michael Pasquinelli said.
He said it had been a “long and thoughtful process”.
“This didn’t happen overnight,” Pasquinelli said. “This is a very, very positive step for the village and another step in moving toward the goal of providing meaningful relief to residents.” »
The $3 million request would support construction of a one-mile sanitary sewer main along 159th Street and Cedar Road, connecting to the existing Fiddyment Creek sewer line. It would be able to serve unserved and vacant parcels for development, Village Engineer Brett Westcott said.
This helps the village control developments, he said.
Seeking outside funding is a responsible step to reduce the burden on taxpayers, Trustee Robert Schaller said.
The plan to ease high water bills would prioritize seniors, officials said. Details will still need to be finalized if the village gets the grant.
Community Guardian Award
The Village Board presented the Community Guardian Award to Will County Sheriff’s Deputies Jesus Espinoza and Michael Ambrosini for their efforts last month on behalf of an elderly man with dementia who was reported missing.
Officers found the 82-year-old Chicago man after receiving a call about a car driving recklessly near 143rd Street and Creme Road. They were able to stop the car and help reunite the driver with his daughter.
“Their actions reflect the care and commitment they show to our community every day,” said Mayor Christina Neitzke-Troike.
Espinoza said residents who see anything unusual should call police.
Michelle Mullins is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
