There was a little confusion about Monee’s new water bills and Trustee Douglas Horne wants to clear that up.
In his report during the March 12 meeting of the board of trustees, Horne reiterated the village decision to implement an ordinance that would lower bills for residents using 4,000 gallons of water or less.
“This was done,” Horne explained, “to soften the 44 percent increase of sewer rates that were approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission.
“Due to this increase, the village had to adjust this pass-through cost to our residents and, in our attempt to get this done, an unforeseen software mishap has occurred.
“Village staff is aware of it and working diligently to rectify the error and credit all accounts affected. The correct amounts should be available through the online bill pay system this week.
“Any amount overpaid – if you used the erroneous bill to pay – will be credited,” he said.
“The village has been determined to provide village residents relief by previously removing administrative fees and credit card processing fees, as well as providing payment plans for those in need.
“We’ll continue to evaluate and utilize all resources available to provide assistance to help our residents with increasing costs.
“We apologize for any frustration you may have endured.
“Another thing to point out,” he continued, “is that, if you compare our rates to surrounding villages, our rates are the lowest, by far.
“For instance, our rate is $35.57 for water, compared to Frankfort’s,which is $42, all the way up to – get this – $167, which is for water in Park Forest.
“The other thing we’re working on is developing and constructing a wastewater treatment plant…because then we can control our own rates and not be beholden to Aqua.”
Horne said the Aqua Illinois contract is for another seven years.
“When we are done with that contract, we will go online with our own wastewater treatment plant, again just trying to control our costs better for the village.”