Kendall County Times

The Village of Montgomery has offered to pay up to $100 on the utility bills mailed out April 1 to its 9,000 water customers. 

According to Kendall County NOW, he village board voted 5-1 to ratify village President Matt Brolley's executive order. Board member Dan Gier was the only board member to vote against the resolution. 

By April 13, more than 800 customers had replied and requested the assistance.

Because many of the customers are facing uncertain financial situations due to the coronavirus pandemic, Brolley said this is a "no questions asked" offer. The village bills its customers every other month and the average bill is around $100. The relief package should cover the entire bill for most customers.

Brolley noted in the latest board meeting, held remotely, that he had discussed the financial assistance move with each of the board members individually before issuing his executive order. Brolley said many residents have contacted him and are appreciative of the simplicity of applying for assistance. 

Gier said he is not opposed to offering residents some assistance. He is, however, concerned about what impact the cost of the assistance will have on the village's budget. 

The village also extended the assistance to its customers in Boulder Hill. Gier noted that the residents of Anderson Senior Apartments, who do not pay their own water bills, have not been offered other assistance from the village. Gier also noted that nothing in particular had been done for small businesses, saying that he would have preferred holding an emergency board meeting so that he could voice his questions and concerns. As a former village employee, Gier has seen first hand how the village budget suffered in the Great Recession of 2008. Staff members were laid off and village services were reduced.

Brolley countered, saying he personally had contacted about 55 small businesses and asked if there was anything the village could do for them. Many of the businesses have applied for state or federal assistance. 

Brolley said an open meeting was not held because of the timing of bills being issued. Approving an abatement of $900,000 of water bills was not something he considered lightly; that's why Brolley says he took the time to call every board member before issuing the order.

To request assistance, contact the village directly at Covid19Assistance@montgomeryil.org or 331-212-9020. Residents need to give their name, address and phone number.