In a recent government meeting, officials provided an update on the ongoing battle against a proposed rate increase by Illinois American Water Company, currently under review by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). The village of Bolingbrook is leading the charge against what they describe as an \"illegal rate hike,\" arguing that the proposed increase would be detrimental to residents already facing high water rates.

The discussion highlighted the complexity of the case, which involves multiple stakeholders, including other municipalities and interest groups. Bolingbrook has actively participated in the proceedings, filing its own briefs and collaborating with organizations such as the Citizens Utility Board and Industrial Water Consumers. Despite these efforts, Bolingbrook remains the only municipality fully opposing the rate increase.

Officials emphasized the importance of public feedback, noting that hundreds of comments were submitted during a forum in July 2024, illustrating the community's concerns about the financial impact of rising water rates. The ICC's role is to establish \"just and reasonable rates,\" and Bolingbrook's representatives are making the case that the proposed increase fails to meet this standard.

The matter is set to be reviewed by an Administrative Law Judge before a final decision is made by the ICC, which is expected around December. Bolingbrook officials expressed their commitment to continue fighting for the interests of their residents, underscoring the historical context of water delivery issues in the area that date back to the town's incorporation in the late 1950s.