Village Selects Interim Public Works Director, Water Meter Consultant

The Tinley Park Village Board has named Bill Balling, a 38-year veteran of municipal government in the Chicago area, as Interim Public Works Director while it searches for a permanent replacement for former director Dale Schepers, who resigned July 17.

“Bill will provide short-term leadership while we conduct an extensive, nationwide search for a permanent leader who will provide the top-notch Public Works services that residents demand and deserve,” Acting Tinley Park Mayor David G. Seaman said.

Balling, who works with WRB LLC, an Arlington Heights consultant firm, is under contract to work 25 hours per week for a period of up to six months. During that time, Balling will provide an operational and organizational review for the Tinley Park Public Works Department to determine areas for improvement.

Balling served as Village Manager of Buffalo Grove and, since retiring from that position, has undertaken a number of special projects and interim senior management assignments for municipalities such as Elk Grove Village, Prospect Heights, Kildeer, Lombard, Highwood and Clarendon Hills.

The Village Board also has hired West Monroe Partners in Chicago to perform a comprehensive analysis of the Village’s residential “SmartMeter” water meters manufactured by Elster/Severn-Trent. The proposed scope of work will be divided into two phases, with the final scope being determined at or near completion of the first.

“It was important that we found a qualified and independent firm, and after interviewing several consultants, we decided that West Monroe Partners met those criteria,” said Trustee Brian Younker, Chairman of the Village’s Public Works Committee. “The firm has a reputation for quality work, and we look forward to partnering with them to rectify the issues we’ve encountered with our water meter program.”

During the first phase of the assessment, which is expected to take about 30 days, West Monroe will independently review historical water meter information and reads; visually inspect water meter installations; determine statistically significant meter testing methodology; review current Village billing policies and practices; and provide recommendations for a meter asset management program.

“I’m confident West Monroe’s unbiased assessment, which should take about 90 days to complete, will provide us with a roadmap to address questions raised about our water meters and billing procedures,” Seaman said.