Monee is lowering its water rates.

No, that is not a misprint.

In a time when water rates are soaring everywhere and consumers are screaming for relief, it looks like Monee families are catching a break.

Residents got the good news during Wednesday’s meeting of the board of  trustees.

“The Village of Monee is happy to announce a first step involving decreasing water bills to the users who use the least amount of water,” Village Administrator Ruben Bautista said.  

“The administration has met several times to discuss water bills and have had several suggestions. During this time, Aqua Illinois implemented a 44 percent increase in their billings to the village, which has made this endeavor more challenging.” 

Monee gets its potable water from village wells, but Aqua Illinois provides its wastewater treatment.

Bautista explained how the new rates will work.

“Previously,” he said, “the village had a minimum usage bill of 4,000 gallons, costing 143.13 bi-monthly. This minimum bill included a maintenance fee for sewer, refuse; sewer fixed costs plus usage, as well as a fixed amount for water plus usage per 1,000 gallons.  

“The village board has been presented with a proposal that would lower water bills for those using 4,000 gallons or less.  This proposal is to be the first step in decreasing water billings to the average user throughout the village. The proposal included eliminating the bi-monthly fixed costs for the first 4,000 gallons used and instead allowing the true usage amount to apply. With this in place, a home using 2,000 gallons of water would not pay the minimum bill of $143.13 but instead pay $131.67.”

Bautista noted there will be an ordinance that will detail how the new rates will be administered and who qualifies.  Currently, the proposal was to apply to the individual who has their name on file with the village as the responsible party for the water bill.  

  • Seniors would qualify for the 10 percent discount by applying through the village’s front office, providing a copy of their license/state ID with the Monee address listed as part of the application process.
  • Rate does apply to renters
  • Takes effect at the March 1 billing cycle

“The administration is looking to have this effective ASAP,” Bautista said.

“The hope is to get the ordinance created quickly and approved by the village board.”