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Resident urges review after unexpected 11,380‑gallon sewer charge
Summary
Bridal Martinez told the committee her parents were billed 11,380 gallons for a 69‑day period despite prior months showing about 1,400–1,500 gallons; city staff explained sewer charges are based on a winter average and referred the family to the mayor's office and Clara Hall for adjustment review.
A Kankakee resident told the License & Franchise Committee she represents her parents and asked the city to review an unusually large sewer charge. "There is a really big difference in my water usage and the water disposal bill," Bridal Martinez said, describing two months of meter readings around 1,400–1,500 gallons but a combined bill that listed 11,380 gallons for a 69‑day period.
City staff explained how the municipal sewer charge is calculated and provided a referral path. A staff member said the sewer charge is based on the average water consumption in December, January, February and March and advised Martinez to contact the mayor's office, where David will direct residents to Clara Hall, who handles sewer service and billing. The staff member added that Aqua performs billing for sewer service but that the city is the agent for sewer‑rate adjustments; Aqua can disconnect water service for unpaid sewer bills, the staff member cautioned.
Martinez said she had filed a claim with the Illinois Commerce Commission and that Aqua (which billed using an ACWA format) had threatened disconnection and assessed a reconnection fee. The staff member said the mayor's office would work with Clara Hall to check the household's winter consumption baseline and follow up. The committee did not take formal action during the meeting but directed staff to provide the resident with the contact and next steps.
