River Forest may cut infrastructure upgrades in half

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Kindergartners line up outside Willard School in River Forest for the first day of school in 2010. District 90 board voted Monday not have a full-day kindergarten. | Curtis Lehmkuhl~Sun-Times Media

Updated: February 27, 2012 8:47AM

River Forest could proceed with half of its planned water and sewer upgrades, as well as other capital improvements.

The Village Board discussed Monday about funding “50 percent” of the village’s infrastructure and equipment needs, because officials do not anticipate having enough money in the water and sewer fund to pay for the improvements.

The repairs are part of a five-year capital improvement plan that would see the village mend parts of its water and sewer systems. It would also involve improvements and repairs to buildings, streets and equipment.

Doing half of the needed repairs will cost the village between $500,000 and $800,000 annually over five years, according to village documents. The amount differs from year to year, depending on the work that needs to be done.

“We’re trying to address the future with today’s bills instead of having big expenses in the future,” said Trustee Michael Gibbs. “We’d rather address it in tiny increments than all in the future.”

The board will vote on the matter at a future meeting where it could also decide whether to raise water rates to help pay for the improvements.

After the board passed a rate hike in December to offset Chicago’s price increase, the village’s water rate jumped to $4.50 in January.

The second rate hike this year would take effect on May 1, if it passes. The proposed amount was not available at press time.