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A Resolution Authorizing the Submission of Three Cook County Water Affordability Program Grant Applications with Requested Funding Amounts of $8,000, $35,000, and $200,000 and Approval of Any Subsequent Agreements and Authorizing Their Execution
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Introduction
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The Cook County Water Affordability Program aims to provide immediate relief to suburban Cook County residents struggling with water costs while creating long-term solutions for water affordability in the region. Up to $245,000 per municipality is available for suburban Cook County municipalities to develop and/or implement pilot projects that address residential water affordability challenges. If awarded, Village staff would like to utilize these grant funds to offset the costs associated with the Water and Sewer Rate Study, the Neptune 360 Customer Portal, and the proposed pilot program for Lead Service Line Replacement Assistance.
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Recommended Action
Adopt the Resolution.
Prior Board Action
There is no prior Board action associated with this item.
Background
In mid-November 2025, the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development, in conjunction with Cook County TAP and Elevate Energy, released a notice of funding opportunity for the Cook County Water Affordability Pilot Program for Municipal Water Utilities. This pilot program aims to provide immediate relief to suburban Cook County residents struggling with water costs while creating long-term solutions for water affordability in the region. Village staff would like to submit three grant applications to max out the $245,000 available per municipality to develop and/or implement pilot projects that address residential water affordability challenges.
Village staff are seeking $8,000 to cover the entire cost of the Neptune 360 Customer Portal in 2026. This portal will provide all Oak Park residents with an easy-to-use desktop or mobile application allowing them to create usage alerts, set a water budget, and view their own consumption data 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Currently, the Village does not have a convenient method for residents to track their water consumption between billing periods.
Village staff are also seeking $35,000 to cover the entire cost of the remaining tasks associated with the Water and Sewer Rate Study in 2026. Work on this study commenced in early 2025 and is slated to resume in early 2026. While NewGen has already developed a rate model and provided recommendations for 2026, the plan is to also have them develop and recommend rate structure alternatives through 2030, finalize their report, and provide an additional presentation at the Village Board level.
In addition to the other two grant applications, Village staff would like to seek $200,000 to cover a portion of the upfront costs associated with Lead Service Line Replacement Assistance, a proposed Village pilot program in 2026. The Illinois state and federally unfunded mandates require the Village to facilitate lead service line replacement of approximately 9,000 lead service lines. When the Village replaces the public side of the service line during annual water main replacement projects, this proposed pilot program would provide low-interest loans for up to $7500 per property to assist property owners required to replace the private side of their service line, at the same time. The pilot program will benefit up to 75 property owners annually, allowing them to repay their loan with a low monthly installment rate ($110 for 75 months) directly reflected on the property owners’ water bill. The upfront Village costs for the 2026 pilot program would be approximately $560,000. If successful, the Lead Service Line Replacement Assistance Program would create a revolving fund that would be self-sustaining in as little as 7 years.
Timing Considerations
The grant applications are due December 9, 2025. Projects awarded funding are expected to begin as soon as possible, but no later than February 2026 and must be completed by August 31, 2026.
Budget Impact
If awarded, the $8,000 grant application would cover the entire cost of the Neptune 360 Customer Portal in 2026.
If awarded, the $35,000 grant application would cover the entire cost of the remaining tasks associated with the Water and Sewer Rate Study. Work on these tasks is slated to resume in early 2026.
If awarded, the $200,000 grant application would cover a portion of the costs associated with Village staff’s proposed pilot program, Lead Service Line Replacement Assistance. The remaining portion, approximately $360,000, would come from the Water and Sewer Fund.
Staffing Impact
While the projects referred to in this item align with Public Work’s core service delivery, there will be some additional staff time spent administering the pilot program associated with lead service line replacement assistance. Since this program is a pilot program, the amount of additional staff time data will also be collected along with other metrics that staff plan to collect and monitor.
DEI Impact
Water affordability is a growing concern for many households. Rising water rates, combined with limited financial assistance options, can place a disproportionate burden on low-income residents. Through targeted affordability strategies, such as leak alert systems associated with the Neptune 360 customer portal and equitable rate structures investigated as part of the Water and Sewer Rate Study, Village staff hope to ensure that all residents have sustainable access to essential water services. These efforts not only support vulnerable populations but also strengthen the long-term financial and operational health of the water system.
Community Input
There has been no community input given in relation to this item.
Staff Recommendation
Adoption the resolution to submit the grant applications for the proposed projects.
Advantages:
• This action offsets Village costs for up to three projects that support the Village Board's goal of community affordability by removing economic barriers and pursuing governmental partnerships associated with water affordability.
Disadvantages:
• Since the Cook County Water Affordability Program is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, the funding opportunity will only be available for 2026 planned water affordability projects.
• In the past Cook County Water Affordability Program grants have been highly competitive, increasing the potential that the Village of Oak Park will not be awarded any of the three grants that staff are seeking for 2026.
Alternatives
The Village Board could delay action to gain additional information.
Advantages:
• The Village Board could identify other projects to apply the potential grant funds to that align with their intended use and Village Board goals (i.e., water affordability pilot programs).
Disadvantages:
• With such a tight deadline, December 9, 2025, there is no guarantee that Public Works staff will be able to make the necessary adjustments and submit the applications on time.
• Due to the often-competitive nature of the Cook County grants, it is unlikely that these grant funds would be available outside of this opportunity.
Anticipated Future Actions
The Village will be required to enter into grant agreements with Cook County for these funds. The Village will also be required to enter into an agreement with the vendor(s) and contractor(s) for the professional services and construction associated with the Water and Sewer Rate Study, the Neptune 360 Customer Portal, and Lead Service Line Replacement.
Prepared By: Erin Duffy, Deputy Public Works Director
Reviewed By: Rob Sproule, Public Works Director
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Resolution