Alerts

**IMPORTANT NOTICE **

CITY OF WAVERLY PROPOSED WATER / SEWER INCREASE

The City of Waverly is proposing a water and sewer rate increase effective October 1, 2024, which was discussed at the July 2, 2024 City Council Meeting.  The last time the City Council increased water rates was November 1, 2015, and sewer rates was April 1, 2018.  The City does not take this action lightly and the action is based upon the following reasons: 1) the City’s water and sewer systems were installed in the late 1930’s and are nearing the end of their useful life without further investment, 2) during the COVID period the City Council took no action to increase rates, as well as freezing late fees, 3) the current water and sewer funds are operating at a deficit and should operate in the black with adequate reserve funds for emergencies and capital investments, 4) recent inflation is affecting key utility system inputs such as power, equipment and maintenance which increased between 20 – 60 percent or more in some cases in the past two (2) years, outpacing water rates across the nation, 5) changing regulations in water and sewer utilities are causing an increased need for financial investment to maintain compliance and ensure a high level of services for customers, 6) the average water bill for 4,000 gallons in central Illinois for similar sized communities is approximately $57.00, 7) the average sewer bill for 4,000 gallons in central Illinois for similar sized communities is approximately $40.00 and 8) after the proposed rate adjustments, the cost for one gallon of water will be approximately one (1) penny.

Current – In Town                                        10/01/24 – In Town

Water - $18.00 (minimum *)                          Water - $28.00 (minimum *)

After 1st 1000 gallons – $6.80                         After 1st 1000 gallons - $10.00

Sewer - $12.00 (minimum *)                          Sewer - $15.00 (minimum *)

After 1st 1000 gallons - $3.60 **                    After 1st 1000 gallons - $6.00 **

10/01/25 – In Town                                       

Water - $35.00 (minimum *)                         

After 1st 1000 gallons – $13.00 **

Sewer – 3 percent increase                                                                 

Current – Out of Town                                 10/01/24 – Out of Town

Water - $20.50 (minimum *)                          Water – $30.50 (minimum*)

After 1st 1000 gallons – 7.80 **                     After 1st 1000 gallons - $11.80 **

10/01/25 – Out of Town                                10/01/26 – Out of Town

Water - $37.50 (minimum *)                          Water – 3 percent increase

After 1st 1000 gallons - $14.00 **

*   The minimum usage is up to 1000 gallons

** After the 1st 1000 gallons, the price is for each additional 1000 gallons

 The first reading of the proposed ordinance will be at the August 6, 2024, City Council Meeting.  The City of Waverly prides itself for having a very high quality of water for use by its customers and wants to continue doing so for the foreseeable future.  If you have questions, please feel free to contact the City Office or attend the August City Council Meeting.  Thank you.

 

 PUBLIC NOTICE REGARDING SHUTOFF OF UTILITY SERVICES

Effective September 11, 2024, those utility bills with an outstanding balance will be subject to the provisions of the General Code for the City of Waverly, Chapter 279 - UTILITIES.

Chapter 279 – UTILITIES, Section 279-29. Penalty for failure to pay – A late charge of 10% will be added to payments received on or after the 24th day of the month.  In addition, the City shall charge an amount as set forth in the fee schedule adopted by the City Council for checks returned due to insufficient funds (NSF).  The customer shall have three business days from the date the City notifies the customer of the NSF check to make it good with cash or credit card payment.  A customer may not give another check for an NSF check.  If the City receives two NSF checks within a twelve-month period, the City has the right to put the customer on a cash only basis.

Chapter 279 – UTILIITIES, Section 279-30. Disconnection for nonpayment – In the event bills for utility services shall not be paid when due, the utility services shall be discontinued on the 11th day of the month following the mailing of the final notice as provided for in Section 279-29 or as soon thereafter as practical.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, a bill in arrears at the end of the month in an amount less than $25 may carry over until the next month without disconnection.  Utility service will not be resumed to a location until the outstanding charges have been paid in full.

Chapter 279 – UTILITIES, Section 279-32. Owner of property liable for payment – The owner of the property upon which any building or structure is located and the occupant of which has incurred a liability for utility service charges, shall be jointly and severally liable for the payment of such charges.

The City of Waverly is willing to work with those having difficulty in paying their utility bills.  A customer who wishes to pursue this option must make a request in writing and if approved by the City Council and Mayor, must not miss any further payments as approved.  Please contact the City Office if you have questions or concerns.

 

RULES FOR PUBLIC MEETINGS

On October 7, 2014, the City of Waverly approved and implemented the rules listed below for the receipt of public comments pursuant to the Open Meetings Act.      

.         Thirty (30) minutes of public comment may be allowed, limiting each speaker to two (2) minutes.

.         Public comments at Special Meetings must be germane to the items on the agenda.

.         Prior to speaking, each person must be recognized by the presiding officer and must state his/her name and address for the record.

.         The presiding officer may impose reasonable limitations on citizen’s participation at meetings such as barring repetition, irrelevant, immaterial, inappropriate comments and reserves the right to halt or suspend the meeting to a later date, if the rules are not being followed. 

.         Whenever a group of persons wish to address the members on the same subject matter, the presiding officer may ask that a spokesperson be chosen from the group.  If additional matters are to be presented by other persons in the group, the presiding officer may limit the presentation to information not already presented by the group spokesperson. 

.         Interested parties, or their authorized representatives, may address the Council by written communication with regard to any matter concerning City business by addressing the Clerk, who shall distribute the written communication to Council members.

.         The Council is not obligated to respond to comments or answer a question.

.         This rule does not apply to City employees.

.         The Clerk shall post the provisions of the Policy on the City’s website and in the Council Chambers. 

Scott Duewer, Mayor

 

Golf Cart Renewals are due by April 1, 2024.  If you plan on operating a golf cart or UTV on the city streets, you will need a current permit staring April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025  Please see Chief Johnson.  Cost is $75.00.

 

Waverly Lake Boat Permits are available at City Hall and the Water Plant.  The cost is $25.00 and the permits are good for the period:  April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025.

 

POLICE CONTACT: if you need to contact the Waverly Police Department at any time, please call (217) 245-6103, opt 3.