The District said it has the right to dig up the yards of its customers to unconnect sewer/sanitary service but would rather have the cooperation of the villages in shutting off water service to delinquent accounts. Currently, the District's practice is to try to collect from delinquents, but when they do not get a response, after about six months, the District puts a lien on the property. The District is asking the village of Island Lake (and Lakemoor) for their cooperation in shutting off water service after a lein and further attempts to collect the past due bills have been unsuccessful. Attorney Dave LeSueur explained that when water is shut off to a home, it most likely would render it uninhabitable. The District feels confident most shut-offs would occur on vacant, foreclosed homes.
What does this mean to Island Lake residents? Well, if agreed upon by the village, it could be a first step in fixing a broken relationship with the District, who if you recall de-annexed from the village under former Mayor Tom Hyde. It could also mean that if you or your neighbor could have their water shut-off leading to the possibility that the home would become uninhabitable. If you are behind (very behind) in sewer payments, and have not made arrangements with the District to make payments, your water can be shut off, even if you are paying your water bill on time.Prior to shut off, a homeowner would be notified by the District and would be eligible for a hearing before the Sanitary District.
The village does not have to be concerned with loss of Water revenue because as the District explained, they would be required to pay the village for lost revenues for the duration of the shut-off. The loss in revenue would be paid currently and regularly, versus in arrears when the District collects their past due amounts.
Trustee Saville said he felt the District was asking the village to be their "hit man." Trustee Saville also asked the District why they do not just get a court order to force the village to shut off the water. Trustee Ponio wanted to know what the percentage of delinquent District customers was in relation to delinquent Island Lake Water customers (that figure was unknown as of last night). Trustee Rabattini wanted to be sure that the District acted consistently with all residents and did not play favorites. Truste Mascillino said she felt the Water Superintendent would need to give his opinion on how he thinks this would affect the Water department operations.
The District will be drawing up a draft Intergovernmental Agreement for the Board to review and consider. If you are for or against this, now is the time to contact your village represenatives and let them know how you feel, as an official vote will be forthcoming.
