Skokie proposes rebate for homeowners who replaced private lead service lines since 2022

Village Manager John Lockerbie presented a staff recommendation on Feb. 17 for a limited rebate program to acknowledge private replacements of lead or galvanized private service lines made since the 2022 mandate.

Staff said the overall lead‑service‑line replacement program caps the private‑side replacement cost at $3,090 (adjustable annually) and provides an option to finance that cost over 15 years through the homeowner’s water bill. Village records estimate about 230 properties already completed private replacements out of pocket since the mandate began. Staff recommended the following options for eligible residential owners who replaced lines from Jan. 2022 through the present: a one‑time cash rebate of $750 or a utility‑bill credit of $1,250. Lockerbie said the cash rebate reflects available cash in the water fund while the higher bill credit spreads the fiscal impact over multiple years.

Finance Director Julian Prendy explained the rationale: cash rebates draw immediately from the water fund; bill credits are recognized more slowly and reduce near‑term cash demands. Staff said they will use direct mail and a portal on the village website for application intake, with in‑person and mailed options available, and will prepare to accept applications subject to board approval by March 1.

Trustees asked about the program’s capacity and language access; staff said the portal and materials can be translated and that staff will work with communications to reach the approximately 230 homeowners already known to have replaced their lines. No public speakers addressed this item during the staff presentation. The board indicated support and staff will return with implementation steps.