OP Officials OK Water And Sewer Rate Increase

Orland Park IL

22 December, 2021

12:34 PM

Description

By Jon DePaolis, Richard Free Press: ORLAND PARK, Ill. — The Village of Orland Park Board of Trustees voted unanimously Monday, Dec. 20, to establish new water and sewer rates — even if they were not thrilled to do so. The rate increase was 4.5%, which Mayor Keith Pekau said was less than the 5% that was originally in the water and sewer rate plan. "We run the water and sewer fund to break even. In fact, we've even done some capital projects out of the general fund to help keep these rates down, because believe me we are all aware because we all live in Orland Park of the water billing. We are all frustrated by what we've seen. But, unfortunately, we pass through costs from Chicago." Pekau said the City has raised its water rates to help fund pensions. "Unfortunately, that is passed through to us," he said. "We are doing what we can … but there is really not much we can do as long as we are on Chicago water. And, really, other water systems believe it or not would be even worse from an expense perspective." Pekau said the Village is conducting a new comprehensive water study, which should be completed in 2022. He also encouraged residents to be proactive in reducing their water consumption at home. "Whatever you can do to be more efficient with your water," he said. "Don't run your shower for five or six minutes until you get into it — those types of things. Richard Free Press is a one-stop destination for the news that most affects you, the southwest suburban resident. Be an informed citizen of the town you live in and love.