Valier readies sewer blueprints, braces for Rend Lake rate hike

Village President George Dudzinski told trustees on March 23 that the village is progressing on sewer-line blueprints and expects to seek EPA permits by June before applying for grants at the end of July.

George said some materials for the MFT (motor fuel tax) tile project did not meet specs and that he was working with another vendor to complete the work. He reported that Village Engineer Rodney Potts is preparing blueprints for the sewer project and that the next step is obtaining required EPA permits so grant applications can follow.

On utility costs, George warned that the Rend Lake Conservancy District will increase water rates effective May 1, 2026. He told Treasurer Chris Scroggins that "the village can absorb the increase for this next year." Trustees gave no immediate charge to raise rates and directed staff to monitor the budget impact as the village absorbs the first-year increase.

Residents also raised complaints about unusually high January water bills; George explained January bills were estimated because of a snowstorm and frozen or covered meters and said February bills used actual meter readings. He reminded residents that they may request a re-read if they believe a reading was incorrect.

Next steps: staff will pursue EPA permits, complete blueprints with the village engineer, and return with grant-application status and any recommended rate changes for board review.