Lisle board to seek valuation study after open-house feedback favors acquisition over rebates

The Village of Lisle Board reviewed results from a series of public open houses and an online questionnaire about three proposals to address high Illinois American Water rates and signaled a preference to pursue a valuation study of acquisition rather than move forward with proposed rebate programs.

Community Engagement Specialist Amanda Pasden told the board the village hosted two in‑person open houses (Jan. 24 and Jan. 31) and a virtual open house (Jan. 23–Feb. 5), and solicited feedback by survey and email. "Approximately 71% of respondents self identifying as Village of Lisle water customers" took part in portions of the process, Pasden said, and staff estimate about 400 residents participated across the outreach methods. She summarized three concepts presented: a surcharge-funded rebate (Option 1), a sales‑tax–funded rebate (Option 2) and a multi‑year acquisition of the Illinois American Water (IAW) system (Option 3). Pasden said Option 1 drew the greatest opposition overall (about 70% no support) and Option 2 also had majority no support (about 56%); by contrast acquisition showed the highest combined levels of some or full support (roughly 63%).

The board heard a public commenter, Susan Sril, press for equity for Oak View residents, who she said pay wheeling revenue to the village but do not receive village water service. "The data shows that rebate programs were clearly rejected," Sril told the board, and she asked directly: "Will Oakview be fully integrated into an acquisition plan?" She also said wheeling revenue had been placed in the general fund rather than in a water enterprise account and asked for a clear commitment that Oak View residents would receive equal treatment if the village pursued acquisition.

Trustees and staff discussed next steps and noted important unknowns: how much an acquisition would actually cost, the village's probability of success if it pursued condemnation or other legal routes, and which residents would ultimately pay for any purchase or related work. One trustee summarized the board's read of the outreach: "Concepts 1 and 2 did not see support, so I don't think I would be wanting to pursue either one of those concept[s]," and urged focusing on acquisition. Village Manager Cook described the practical next step: "To pursue a valuation study, we would be talking about writing an RFP or RFQ ... soliciting those proposals, reviewing them, and coming back with a recommendation to this board," and cautioned that the village might also be responsible for costs Illinois American Water incurs in responding to an investigation or valuation process.

Board members estimated an initial valuation or feasibility study could cost in the neighborhood of $50,000 to $100,000; trustees said they would want a clearer, defined cost and scope before asking voters to decide on any referendum. Several trustees also said pursuing legislative changes to ease an acquisition path (by clarifying rate or procedural rules) might be useful in parallel.

Rather than adopting any funding plan or a referendum at this meeting, the board generally agreed to stop pursuing the rebate concepts for now and to direct staff to move forward with a defined procurement for a valuation/feasibility study. Later in the agenda the board voted unanimously to recess into a closed session for specified personnel, litigation and negotiation topics; after reconvening they adjourned the meeting.

What happens next: staff will prepare an RFP/RFQ for a valuation/feasibility study and return to the board with cost estimates and recommended scope; trustees said they expect further discussion about whether and how to seek voter approval once the study provides concrete numbers and options.