The Village of Indian Head Park authorized a task order with engineering firm Strand to prepare an Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) project plan and related analysis for the village water system. The board approved the task order (up to $40,000) by unanimous roll call on July 10.

Village Administrator Gavin told trustees that the plan is “essential for establishing our eligibility for IEPA loans, low-interest financing,” and said the study will catalog needed water projects over the next five to 10 years, price them, evaluate financing options and help the village demonstrate its ability to repay IEPA loans. Gavin said he compared the Strand proposal to similar municipal studies and found the price in line with comparable work; he also said staff will pursue cost reductions where possible.

Gavin and Public Works Director Joe said another benefit of the project plan is it will produce information that can feed into the village’s water-rate structure. “When we get to specific projects…we have to demonstrate to IEPA that we have the ability to repay any IEPA loans,” Gavin said, adding the plan will support decisions about whether to pursue IEPA financing versus alternatives such as bonding.

Trustees approved the task order by a 5-0 vote. The board did not commit to particular projects or borrowings at this meeting; it approved funding for the planning work that will underpin future capital and financing decisions.