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DuPage County committee approves higher reimbursement for overhead sanitary sewer conversions
Summary
The county agreed to raise its homeowner reimbursement for overhead sanitary sewer conversions from $5,000 to $7,500 after public comment and staff presentation; Darien approved an additional $5,000 for its residents, potentially making their total $12,500.
DuPage County Public Works staff recommended and the committee approved increasing the county's reimbursement for homeowners who convert to overhead sanitary sewer systems from $5,000 to $7,500.
David, a Public Works presenter, framed the change as an update to a long-running cost-share program. He said the county has not kept up with rising construction costs and "we would recommend taking the total reimbursement of 5,000 to 7,500, and Darien has taken it a step further. And they have, last night, they approved an additional 5,000 for Darien residents. So Darien residents can get up to 12,500," and argued the higher rate would better cover typical conversion costs.
Gerard Leganski, an alderman from the city of Darien, told the committee his ward suffered repeated sanitary sewer backups and urged support for the increase, explaining that conversions require extensive renovation work. Public Works staff and committee members described how older split-level homes built in the 1950s—60s lack modern ejector systems, so surcharged sewers can back up through floor drains and toilets into finished living spaces. David told the committee the county recorded "31 sewer backups during the July 4 event," which staff said prompted the recommendation to raise the reimbursement.
Staff said the program applies to homeowners who are customers of the county sewer maintenance system (not to septic systems or to all unincorporated properties), and that licensed plumbers assess feasibility for each house. Committee members asked staff to provide outreach materials; Sean Reese (Public Works) said he would email diagrams to help visualize conversions.
The committee moved and seconded the recommendation and approved the increase unanimously. Staff said they will coordinate communications with Darien to avoid confusing residents about eligibility and added that Darien's additional $5,000 was available only to Darien residents.
