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Council approves two-year sewer-rate amendment, majority in favor though one member opposed
Summary
The council approved amendments to sewer rates (chapter 34) that create separate class 1 (domestic/retail/residential) and class 2 (identified industrial) categories, set a two-year term, and raise certain industrial surcharges; the measure passed 11-1 on final reading.
The Kankakee City Council on April 7 approved amendments to Chapter 34 of the municipal code governing sewer rates and related charges, adopting a two-year rate schedule that separates customers into Class 1 (domestic/retail/residential) and Class 2 (identified industrial) categories.
Council discussion and staff presentations said the change aims to protect residential users by limiting rate increases for Class 1 accounts to 2 percent over the two-year term while raising fees and surcharges for industrial dischargers where biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), suspended solids and fats/oils/grease have strained infrastructure. The ordinance also intends to fund capital replacement needs tied to problems caused by high-strength industrial waste.
Alderman O’Brien moved to suspend rules and advance the ordinance; Alderman Cobbs seconded. The motion to suspend the rules passed, and the ordinance was placed on final reading. On final passage the council voted 11 ayes and 1 nay. A council member praised Alderman Jones for his work on the draft during the discussion; no further amendments were recorded at final reading.
City staff said a separate review of garbage and rubbish charges will follow later in the year when that contract expires. The sewer-rate ordinance is effective on passage and will remain in place for the stated two-year term unless amended by future council action.
