Thursday, February 21, 2013
Oak Forest aldermen Feb. 12 decided that after 105 days of unpaid water bills, they'll put a lien on the owner's property.
Oak Forest residents with overdue water bills will face harsher repercussions from the city—including possible liens to cover the bills. Under the updated ordinance approved Feb. 12, if a water bill goes unpaid for 105 days, the city can place a lien in the amount of the bill. Previously, the ordinance only accounted for unpaid sewerage bills. The ordinance applies to all properties—even those foreclosed upon. If a lien is placed on a foreclosed home, the bill is paid when the home is sold. Recently, residents saw a water rate increase, set in place to cover an increase in the cost of water from suppliers Oak Lawn and the city of Chicago. The water rate in Oak Forest increased to a volume rate of 63 cents per 1,000 gallons; the average…
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Oak Forest residents will pay $27 more in real estate taxes, and about $13 more per quarter for water, after two recent moves by aldermen. Get the latest here.
Friday, December 21, 2012
Oak Forest residents will pay about $13 more per quarter for water after aldermen approved a rate increase at a Dec. 18 meeting. The increase is a result of a rate increase by the city's water suppliers, Oak Lawn and Chicago.
Oak Forest residents' checkbooks will spring a leak starting Jan. 1, 2013, when the city's new water rate goes into effect. The increase comes after the aldermen approved the motion, set in place to cover an increase in the cost of water from suppliers Oak Lawn and the city of Chicago. “This is strictly a pass-through rate increase,” said Troy Ishler, Oak Forest Public Works Director. “This is no profit to the city of Oak Forest on this.” On Jan. 1, the water rate in Oak Forest will increase to a volume rate of 63 cents per 1,000 gallons. The increase means that the average resident will pay about $13 more per quarter, or $52 more per year. Alderman Rich Simon voiced his displeasure over the increase and questioned if the water system in …
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
On April 9, 2012 Oak Forest residents will cast their vote for mayor, city clerk, city treasurer and three aldermanic seats. If residents are wondering how to throw their hat in the ring, Patch has the details.
On April 9, 2013, Oak Forest residents will head to the polls to shape city government, as several important posts are up for election. Early in December, it's not confirmed who will run for which roles, but Patch spoke with Oak Forest City Clerk Scott Berkhardt about what residents interested in running have to do to get their name placed on the ballot. Positions up for election include: Each position is a four-year term. Aldermen Rich Simon (Ward 2) and Chuck Toland (Ward 4) will seek another term, along with Mayor Hank Kuspa and City Clerk Scott Burkhardt. It's unknown if Alderman Peter Muscarella and Treasurer Dwayne Fox will run for reelection. Any person seeking election to a city office or alermanic seat, must gather signatures. …
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
The Oak Forest City Council approved a measure to refund 2004 bonds and issue 2012 bonds, possibly saving the city more than $700,000. The savings would stem from a lower interest rate, with the money earmarked for capital needs.
The city of Oak Forest could have a nice chunk of change—possibly up to $700,000—coming its way in a few weeks, thanks to a bond reissuing that was approved by the city council on Tuesday, Oct 9. The bond re-issuance comes after a decrease in interest expense, according to Finance Director Colleen Julian. “We can't lose here, this is after all the costs,” Julian said. “My thought is that, 'God, we've taken quite a few hits over the years because of the bad economy, this is the payback.'” Reissued bonds would be part of Series 2012 and would refund Series 2004 A bonds, with the issuance not to exceed $10 million, according to Julian. Julian told the council that there are two options for receiving the money, once the bonds are put on the …
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
The City of Oak Forest and four other municipalities, continue negotiations with Oak Lawn on water supply services. Alderman approved an additional $8,500 in spending for negotiations during Aug. 14 city council meeting.
Oak Forest aldermen are ready to shell out more money for contract negotiations between the city, Mokena, Tinley Park, Orland Park, New Lenox and Oak Lawn for water supply services provided by Oak Lawn. Aldermen Aug. 14 agreed to pay up $8,525 to three consulting firms to continue negotiations with Oak Lawn. The amount represents 11 percent of total negotiation fees, with Orland Park, Tinley Park, Mokena and New Lenox picking up the remaining 89 percent of the tab, respectively. Oak Forest previously agreed to pay more than $10,000 to continue negotiations in March, after the group of municipalities agreed to a short-term contract with Oak Lawn. Alderman Rich Simon questioned the effectiveness of the negotiations, asking if a resolution is…
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9:15 pm on Thursday, February 21, 2013
Someguynameded- We have never been late paying our water bill. There are however many many people living paycheck to paycheck. Some are now having to choose between water, mortgage or food. Maybe you need to walk a few miles in these people's shoes before you pass judgement. There are few people I would like to see in that kind of desperate financial situation (those of the Oak Forest city … more ›