Politics & Government

Mokena Water Rates to Increase in 2013

The second of four Chicago-instituted rate increases will factor into January's village meter readings.

Mokena residents will see an increase in village water rates starting in February.

Village Administrator John Downs presented the specifics of the increase to the village board at a meeting on Jan. 28.

Water customers in Mokena can expect a $.40 increase on their January water meter readings. Rates will rise from $5.46 per 1000 gallons to $5.86. Downs estimates that water invoices for most residents will increase by between $1.60 and $3.20.

Find out what's happening in Mokenawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“It’s never a fun thing to do to have to increase the rate,” said Mokena Mayor Joe Werner.

The upcoming hike in water rates is the second of four such annual increases to be implemented by the City of Chicago between 2012 and 2015. Each increase will also impact the many surrounding communities using Chicago water, including Mokena.

Find out what's happening in Mokenawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“It’s just a trend I think we’re going to see,” said Downs.

However, Downs also pointed out that, at $53, Mokena’s monthly water costs are $10 dollars lower on average than those in nearby communities.

Also during Monday’s meeting, the board voted to authorize the Mokena Police Department to pursue an approximately $18,000 grant for 911 emergency service expenses.

The grant funds are designated for cover phone and radio equipment, consoles and furniture and office equipment for emergency fire and law enforcement agencies.

If the money is awarded to the village police department, the grant could reduce the cost to the village for emergency services for the fourth year in a row.

“It’s been very beneficial to the community,” said Werner.

The board also approved a public art agreement with Joe and Annette Siwinski, the owners of 11104 Front Street, which will soon be the site of a new historic mural.

The agreement addresses the specifics of the display, protection and maintenance of the mural, which was funded by state and federal grant money and facilitated by the Illinois Lincoln Highway Coalition.

The mural will be installed Jan. 20 and a public unveiling will take place at 11 a.m. on Feb. 2.

“I think everybody will be pleased with it,” said Werner.

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