La Grange approves lead service‑line replacement policies; residents press for clearer costs and timeline

LA GRANGE, Ill. — The La Grange Village Board on June 8 approved a set of policies to guide a long‑term lead service‑line replacement program, a measure staff say will prepare the village to meet state and federal replacement requirements that take effect in 2027.

Village Manager Knight and engineering consultant Caitlyn Wright of Baxter & Woodman told trustees the village anticipates qualifying for a 17‑year deferred replacement timeline if its lead‑line burden exceeds 39 percent. Under the proposed framework staff described, the village would aim for a minimum 7 percent of lead or galvanized service‑line replacements each year — roughly 210 lines annually — with an estimated annual village cost of about $4 million. Wright said the village would seek IEPA no‑interest financing and may layer in other low‑cost financing to reduce impacts on water customers.

The proposed cost‑sharing approach described in staff materials splits responsibility roughly 50/50: the village would replace the portion of the service line from the water main to the BB box, and the customer would pay for the portion from the BB box to the meter unless a customer initiates and pays for a full private replacement. Director O'Brien and Wright emphasized that service replacements will be coordinated with other capital projects when possible to reduce street disruptions.

Residents at the meeting pressed the board and staff for more detail on how much homeowners will actually pay, how and when neighborhoods will be notified, and whether customers who replace their lines on their own will be disadvantaged. "When might we know what our cost would be in terms of this project and when our particular area would be included?" asked Dr. Bessie Boyd, who said she lives in La Grange. Staff replied that scheduling and billing mechanics are not finalized and vary depending on which capital projects are undertaken in a given year, and that some trenchless techniques will reduce surface disruption.

Longstanding community critics sought sharper financial detail. "At 210 conversions on average, $4 million translates to $19,000 per installation — that seems high," said resident Al Foreman, who urged the board to revisit how customer costs are allocated and whether loan funds can be banked if not fully used in a year. John Pluto asked why the village had not already secured financing and said a plan for long‑term funding should be in hand before work begins. Village staff said the village has applied to IEPA but has not yet been awarded that funding and will continue to pursue financing.

Trustees pressed for flexibility in implementation. Trustee Augustine asked whether the village would continue to pursue replacements beyond the 7 percent minimum if projects and budgets allowed; Wright and staff said the 7 percent figure is a minimum and economies of scale could allow the village to accelerate replacements in some years. Trustees also asked about how the program would be integrated with the 50th Street storm‑sewer project and other planned water‑main work.

The board voted unanimously to adopt the policies as presented. Clerk Saladino recorded a roll‑call vote with the following trustees voting "I": Trusty O'Brien; Trusty McGee; Trusty Augustine; Trusty Peterson; Trusty Gail; Trusty Thompson.

What’s next: staff said a formal public‑notification plan and more detailed financing options will be developed and reported back to the board. The village continues to pursue IEPA financing and will coordinate replacements with major street and water‑main projects to reduce inconvenience to residents.