Suburbs gearing up for legal war over water

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Updated: March 24, 2012 8:54AM

River Forest and other villages with membership in the West Central Municipal Conference have begun pooling their resources in preparation for what could become a legal battle with the City of Chicago over its recent water rate increases.

Earlier this month, WCMC, which represents 44 municipalities in West Suburban Cook County, agreed to require member towns to kick money into a fund it is calling The Chicago Water Task Force.

The money in the fund will be used to pay a lobbyist to persuade state lawmakers to pass “legislative remedies” for the rate increase. It could also be used for litigation against the City of Chicago.

For its part, River Forest has contributed $1,100 to the pot. All told, though, the fund will only raise about $150,000 if everybody contributes.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s 2012 budget calls for increases in the price that Cook County suburbs pay for Lake Michigan water. The city intends to use that money to overhaul its antiquated sewer system.

River Forest, like other towns that purchase water from Chicago, was forced to pass off the added expense to its residents.

In January, the village increased the water rate to $4.50, from $4.12. Another increase could be around the corner, as soon as May 1.

For the time being, though, Village Administrator Eric Palm said that River Forest and the other WCMC member towns are exploring their options.