TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Allison Swisher, Director of Public Utilities
SUBJECT:
title
Resolution Authorizing Execution of an Intergovernmental Agreement Between the Southeast Joliet Sanitary District and the City of Joliet
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BACKGROUND:
The water and sewer system serving the Preston Heights neighborhood and surrounding areas in unincorporated Joliet Township is currently operated by the Southeast Joliet Sanitary District (“District”). It is the intent of the District to transfer the District’s water and sewer systems to the City on February 1, 2026 per the proposed Intergovernmental Agreement to be executed in January 2026 between the City, District, and County, in accordance with Illinois House Bill 663, which becomes effective January 1, 2026, based on the District Board’s determination that the District should be dissolved as the District is unable to continue to operate in a fiscally responsible manner without incurring significant debt, is unable to provide for much needed infrastructure improvements, may soon be unable to continue to guarantee the continued, efficient, stable delivery of safe drinking water to its residents, and does not desire to sell its systems to a private operator.
The District has informed the City that they may be in need of assistance during water and sewer system emergencies prior to February 1, 2026. The City has the staff and equipment to be able to provide emergency aid to the District for the District’s water and sewer systems and desires to begin implementation of the Capital Improvement Plan provided for in the proposed Intergovernmental Agreement (“IGA”). The County of Will has committed to assisting with the transfer of the District’s water and sewer systems while providing financial support for completion of required upgrades, in accordance with County Resolution 25-144 and designated ARPA funding allocated to the City by the County.
The Public Service Committee will review this matter.
CONCLUSION:
An Intergovernmental Agreement has been prepared for the provision of emergency aid by the City to the District and for access by the District to the City for implementation of the Capital Improvement Plan to be funded by the County. The IGA will be effective November 1, 2025 - January 31, 2026. A subsequent IGA will be executed in January 2026 by the City, District and County for the transfer of ownership and operation of the District’s water and sewer systems.
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Based on the above, it is recommended that the Mayor and City Council adopt the attached Resolution, authorizing execution of an Intergovernmental Agreement between Southeast Joliet Sanitary District and the City of Joliet.
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