In a marathon session Tuesday night, the Enfield Village Board tackled a packed agenda and reached a decisive conclusion on the persistent issue of delinquent water bill customers. The meeting, which began with routine approval of bills and water adjustments, quickly turned to concerns about the village’s ongoing losses in its water, gas, and sewer departments. Board members cited chronic late payments as a key reason for the budget shortfall and agreed to address the matter later in the evening.
Mayor Maurie Black raised the possibility of introducing a one percent local grocery sales tax to replace a now-eliminated state tax. However, the proposal was unanimously rejected by board members, who cited a lack of affected businesses and a desire to avoid further taxing residents.
In other business, the board discussed progress on street lighting, ongoing repairs to the Community Center, and the Park Grant. The parcel of land on Miller Street remains available for bids, and the board approved the purchase of a new truck bed from Dylan Bond for $15,000. Residents praised city workers for their snow-clearing efforts and were reminded to avoid damaging meter antennas while mowing, as replacements cost the village $52 each.
The board declined a donation request from Southern Illinois Critter Fixers, a group dedicated to spaying and neutering cats, but received a thank-you letter from NCOE FFA Alumni for use of the Community Center. A request from the insurance company handling this year’s Fourth of July fireworks to increase the village’s premium by $500 was also turned down, as the event is being organized by a private citizen. Plans are in motion to install surveillance cameras at the park, school, and village building lobby, with a meeting scheduled with Kurt Hales to discuss details.
Following a one hour and 20 minute Executive Session, the board approved strict new policies for delinquent water bill customers. Residents who fall a month behind in payments and enter a new billing cycle must pay the full amount due plus a reconnect fee before service is restored. The fee escalates with repeated offenses: $225 for the first disconnection, $450 for the second, and $5,000 for the third. Customers who are six months or more overdue will face small claims court and a lien on their driver’s license.
The session concluded with a renewed focus on fiscal responsibility and accountability for village services.