By Karen Haave
Monee residents could see some relief in their water bills soon, if a proposal from Finance Director Darryl Bulliner meets with final approval from the village board.
Bulliner told the board of trustees during a Committee of the Whole meeting earlier this month that a reduction in water rates is possible, while maintaining the same amount of revenue the village generates.
With the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency loan for Monee’s newest water tower paid in full, he said, it is possible to eliminate the fixed rate of the minimum 4,000-gallon usage, switching to charging “per 1,000-gallons” or only what the resident is using.
Currently, 4,000 gallons is billed at $143.13.
It was noted that rate includes water, sewer, garbage pick-up, and capital and management.
Bulliner’s proposed rate for the same range of usage are 1,000 gallons, $78.24; 2,000 gallons, $89.65; 3,000 gallons, $101.07; and 4,000 gallons, $112.49. Consumers using less than 3,000 gallons of water would save $30 to $64 on their bill.
The board also discussed possible discounts that could be offered to seniors, the disabled, and military veterans.
The village is unable to lower sewer rates at this time because of a long term contract with Aqua Illinois. Monee officials hinted a year ago that plans for a village-owned wastewater treatment plant could be in the works, but no formal announcements have been made since.
The board agreed during the COW meeting that more research and other options will be discussed before a decision is made.