Second Public Hearing Planned In Bolingbrook To Discuss Water Rate Increase

BOLINGBROOK, IL — The Illinois Commerce Commission will hold a second public hearing in Bolingbrook over the proposed Illinois American Water rate increase.

The meeting will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday at Bolingbrook Community Center, 201 Canterbury Lane.

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Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta believes the meeting is a "rare and important opportunity for residents and businesses to make their voices heard."

More than 800 people attended the July 14 hearing and close to 200 were turned away due to capacity.

"This is about so much more than a water bill. It is about people—our families, our seniors, our businesses and the health and well-being of our community," Mayor Alexander-Basta said in a news release. "At our first hearing, residents shared heartbreaking stories about having to cut back on basic water use because they simply cannot afford the cost. No one should have to choose between paying their water bill or for much needed medications."

After the July meeting, Alexander-Basta sent a letter to the ICC, asking for second meeting. In a response dated August 4, the ICC indicated that "one or more members of the Commission might attend" the September 16 hearing, according to a news release.

"The ICC agreed to give our residents another opportunity to be heard," Mayor Alexander-Basta said. "And I sincerely hope the members of the Commission will join us in Bolingbrook and listen to the people who are living with these costs every day. Our residents deserve to know that their voices matter and that their concerns are being heard."