Shop Local, Get $50 Water Bill Rebate In Frankfort

FRANKFORT, IL — At its May 18 meeting, the Frankfort village board approved the Resident Incentive for Purchases to Promote the Local Economy program. According to board documents, the program is designed to encourage residents to patronize local businesses which were forced to close due to the coronavirus.

The program will provide a one-time reimbursement in the form of a $50 credit on a future water bill. Board documents state purchases must be made between June 1 and July 31, and must total $300, with a minimum of $200 at qualifying retail store and $100 at local restaurants. The reimbursement will only be given once per household.

Village administrator Rob Piscia told Patch that reimbursements will most likely apply to the September water bill, which goes out in October.

Residents can provide signed receipts showing their purchases. Piscia said residents can complete the water bill credit request form and submit it along with proof of purchase to the Village of Frankfort by mail to 423 W. Nebraska St., email to RIPPLE@Frankfortil.org, or by utilizing the drop box at the Village Hall.

Qualifying retail stores are those considered nonessential by the early executive order from the governor. Piscia said boutiques, gift shops, salons and clothing stores are all considered qualifying businesses. Purchases at essential stores, like grocery stores, gas stations, home improvement stores, garden centers and pharmacies are excluded from this program.

At the meeting, Trustee Jessica Petrow said the program is designed to be administered through the water billing system, but the funding will be sourced from the corporate capital fund of the village of Frankfort. This fund is paid for by the taxpayers of the village of Frankfort, not those who use Frankfort utilities.

Read more:

• Illinois Coronavirus Update May 21: 100,418 Cases, 4,525 Deaths