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Skokie board votes to let homeowners self‑select into lead service line replacement program
Summary
The Village of Skokie approved a change to its lead service line replacement program to allow homeowners who request it to be scheduled for replacement, up to the village’s planned 688 annual replacements; the village caps private‑side cost at $3,090 and offers 15‑year financing via the water bill.
The Village of Skokie Board on Dec. 1 approved a change to its lead service line replacement program that lets self‑selecting residential property owners be added to the village’s scheduled replacements, up to the budgeted annual total of 688.
Village Manager John Lockerbie described the proposal as an adjustment to the village’s existing plan for replacing service lines — the pipe that runs between private buildings and the village’s water infrastructure. Lockerbie said the village caps private‑side replacement costs at $3,090 per property, a figure that can be adjusted if costs rise, and that homeowners may finance the private‑side work over 15 years at a low interest rate through their water bill.
"After sending letters in September, about 50 addresses expressed interest in replacement if assistance were available," Lockerbie said in presenting staff’s recommendation. He and Finance Director Julian Prendi told trustees the village intends to ramp annual replacements to 688 per year in fiscal 2027 to meet mandated timelines and that including self‑selecting properties will be effective beginning May 1 with the next budget cycle.
Trustees discussed how the village will notify residents, the limits if interest exceeds the budgeted 688 replacements and how the work will be funded. Trustee Gail Schechter asked how the village will publicize the opportunity; Lockerbie said staff will begin communications and noted care must be taken because the program is effective May 1. Trustee Iverson asked whether requests beyond the 688 cap would be carried to the following year; staff confirmed they would.
Finance Director Julian Prendi said the replacement schedule and the 688 annual target are driven by federal and state mandated timelines and that funding will be addressed in upcoming budget discussions. He said staff plans to use internal crews for most replacements to control costs and enable scheduling flexibility.
The board voted to approve the staff recommendation. The clerk recorded the motion as passing on a roll call vote.
