City Council Approves First-Ever Water Survey

is ready to step into uncharted territory in the near future, with its water services.

During the April 10  Council meeting, aldermen approved the first-ever water rate survey in the city's history. The survey will be conducted at a date in the near future, with an eye towards service rates, debt services and capital needs.

"I think it's time we have an independent person come in and evaluate what we charge for our water and sewer systems, and what we should be charging," said Troy Ishler, Oak Forest's Public Works Director.

The survey, which will be conducted by Manhard Consulting, will use benchmark comparisons from other municipalities and utilities to evaluate the personnel assignments to the water and sewer funds, Ishler told the council. He added that findings from the survey will be used to help plan future rate structures for water services in the city.

"We'll see where we rate against other towns and utilities. … It will give the aldermen valuable information as they move forward and have to make decisions about water rates," Ishler said.

The cost of the survey is $18,255—money which will come from capital dollars. The money being used is the result of saved money from the recent water main project, which came in under budget.

After the approval of the survey, Ruth Ensing, an Oak Forest resident, spoke to the council about how much her water rates have gone up over the past year. She said that since 2011, her water rate has gone up 42 percent, due to the water rate increases by Oak Forest and the water supplier, Oak Lawn.

"I'm glad that you approved the study tonight," Ensing told the council. "We live in complex times, requires complex solutions. It's time to do whatever it takes to realize that how matters you vote on here, directly effects everyone of us who live here, businesses and the residents."