Bensenville compromises on water fees

Bensenville officials will temporarily suspend the $100-plus fees charged unincorporated residents last week for a new water system in the White Pines subdivision.

After more than four hours of negotiations Tuesday, officials agreed payment can wait a few weeks while the county checks into whether it can build new water mains in the area for less than what it would cost the village, said county board member Paul Fichtner.

Fichtner was brought into the fray last week at the invitation of residents after they received bills from the village with $103 fees, and letters indicating those monthly charges would remain for the next 20 years.

While the White Pines subdivision needs its 50-year-old water mains replaced, Bensenville also planned to charge all residents in the surrounding unincorporated area for the work.

If the county creates a special service, or taxing, area to pay for the work, only White Pines residents would be responsible for the cost. County officials have said they believe their better bond rating could lead to a lower cost.

Bensenville Village Manager Jim Johnson said officials are pleased the county has stepped in.

"Absolutely. We've said that all along," he said Wednesday. "We've always felt this was a county issue. Unfortunately, because these folks are outside our jurisdiction, we were limited in our options."

Fichtner said the county public works committee is expected to approve a study next week. Results of the study should be available, complete with cost estimates, within two weeks. Once that is done, the residents and village officials can decide if they want to pursue that option.

Bensenville has to agree to move forward with any county plan because the new water delivery system would have to tap into the village's existing pipes.