Water and sewer rates could skyrocket

By Jeff Vorva

For the first time in 20 years, a new Palos Heights police chief was sworn in.

William Czajkowski, a 35-year member of the force, was sworn in as chief during the City Council meeting Tuesday, March 7. He replaced Larry Yott, who retired from the force after 50 years of service including 20 as chief.

More than a hundred people crammed the City Hall Chambers and hallway for the meeting.

“I’m overwhelmed by everybody’s support,” Czajkowski told the crowd. “It’s been a long road. I’m taking this job from an amazing man, Larry Yott.

“I’m just thrilled to have the job and I promise to serve the citizens and the department to the best of my abilities.”

The new chief received a standing ovation from the council.

“He’s a great man and I’ve known him for 40 years or so and he grew up on my block,” Mayor Bob Straz said. “I can’t think of a better man for the job and that’s a credit to Larry and his leadership over the years to allow us to find someone within.”

Former Orland Park officer Lindsey Vanderlaan was sworn in as an officer as well.

Rates to dramatically increase?

After the council approved more than $264,000 for various water and sewer projects, Alderman Don Bylut was ready for a motion to increase single-family and commercial water rates by 4%, single family sewer flat rates 50% and commercial and industrial minimum sewer charge 50%

“We haven’t had a rate increase since 2019,” Bylut said. “This one is substantial but as anybody can see over the past few months, we’ve had a lot of expenditures.

“We have a 10-year plan and we’re moving in a direction where a lot of things needed to be done for a number of years. We have a reserve fund that remains steady, but we’re at a point now where the work needs to be done and we need to be sure we have money down the line.”

Alderman Michael McGrogan coaxed the council to refer this vote back to committee and the council can vote on it at a future meeting.

“We will be getting some additional revenue down the line,” McGrogan said. “We’ll have businesses like Pete’s [Market] and a development that’s going to be coming to town and other sources.”