Robbins trustees discuss water main break, new water ordinance and possible amnesty

Trustees at the Village of Robbins regular meeting on July 12 discussed recent troubles with the local water system and steps leadership said they will take to stabilize service and collections.

Trustee Michael Collier Sr., who oversees public works, said the village is enforcing a 10% penalty for water payments received after the due date and encouraged residents to use the drop box, call for amounts due or pay by credit card. He told the board the water committee has completed a water ordinance and that cutoffs would begin once the ordinance is adopted.

A resident and public-works representative, Mr. Ward, reported that a water main break on Maxey Court and Claire was more serious than initially thought and thanked residents for their cooperation during repairs. Mayor Darren E. Bryant said some residents were still experiencing low pressure and advised them to contact the water department.

Mayor Bryant also said staff were exploring “the possibility of a month of amnesty (penalties and fines) to help citizens get on track.” The board discussed that modest increases in water rates would be necessary to keep up with rising costs.

The meeting record indicates further administrative steps: staff will present the water ordinance for formal approval at a future meeting, after which the cutoff policy would be implemented. No formal vote on the ordinance took place July 12.

Next steps: trustees and staff plan follow-up public meetings and a possible town-hall session to explain the ordinance, the timeline for cutoffs and any amnesty terms.