Amid higher water rates, Homer Glen and Bolingbrook officials are looking further into taking control of the pipeline that serves their towns.
In 2006, Homer Glen, along with Plainfield, Bolingbrook and Woodridge, hired Postl-Yore and Associates of Arlington Heights to examine the possibility of acquiring the Lake Michigan pipeline from American Lake Water Co., a subsidiary of Illinois American Water.
The Homer Glen Village Board voted this week to continue with the study evaluating the pipeline.
“This is the next step in coming up with a fair market value in acquiring the pipeline,” Village Manager Paula Wallrich said. She said this part of the study, which will take 30 to 45 days, will cost about $6,300.
Kevin Hillen, operations manager for Illinois American’s Chicago Metro District, said a buyout would force customers to pay more for their water service.
“We are disappointed that the village is taking another step toward eminent domain to forcibly take over our business,” he said.
Homer Glen Mayor Jim Daley disagreed, saying residents should not be paying higher rates.
This year, water rates have increased 84 cents for every 1,000 gallons of water used, Public Works Director Mike Drey said.