Faulty Meters and Confusing Charges Leave Sauk Village Residents Struggling With Water Bills
SAUK VILLAGE, Ill. — Residents in Sauk Village are speaking out after years of inaccurate water bills, with some families facing thousands of dollars in charges they say they don’t owe. The issues, ranging from faulty smart meters to billing errors, have caused confusion and frustration as many struggle to keep their water service active.
Residents Confront High Bills
For Tasia Bailey, a mother of two, the problems began soon after she moved into her Sauk Village home. Without a washing machine and relying on bottled water for drinking, she was stunned to receive bills between $300 and $400 each month.
“All we do is bathe in the water. We don’t even drink it,” Bailey explained. After repeated calls to the village, her meter was replaced, and her usage readings stabilized. But Bailey is still responsible for back charges she believes are inaccurate and worries about the threat of a water shutoff.
Another resident, Sandra Duarte, received a shocking water bill totaling nearly $20,000. She sought help through Telemundo Chicago Responde, which prompted the village to review her account. The bill was ultimately cleared, with officials confirming she now has a zero balance.
Mayor Acknowledges Widespread Problems
Mayor Marva Campbell-Pruitt, who took office four months ago, acknowledged the community-wide billing problems. She noted that some residents visiting the front office have been “in tears” over their bills.
According to Campbell-Pruitt, several issues have fueled the crisis, including:
- Smart meters installed incorrectly
- Estimated bills being sent instead of actual readings
- Errors involving the billing company, Payment Service Network (PSN)
In response, PSN said it is working closely with the village to reach a resolution. Meanwhile, village staff have undergone training on proper meter installation and reading procedures to prevent future mistakes.
Confusion Over Payments
For now, residents are being told to make minimum payments to keep their water service from being shut off. In Bailey’s case, the minimum payment was set at $63.70, even though her bills currently show zero water usage. “I don’t even know what you’re calculating,” Bailey said. “Where are you getting these figures from?”
Adding to residents’ frustration, the minimum payment amounts are not printed on bills and must be obtained directly from the village. While Campbell-Pruitt said these payments will keep water service active, many families are still left confused about how their charges are being calculated.
Water Quality Concerns
Beyond billing, some residents, including Bailey, have raised concerns about the taste of the tap water, prompting them to rely on bottled water. Campbell-Pruitt admitted that she also drinks bottled water but reassured residents that village water is safe.
As Sauk Village works to resolve its billing crisis, residents continue to demand answers and clarity about their charges. With frustrations mounting, many hope the changes promised by leadership will finally bring stability and fairness to a system long plagued by errors. For more Illinois community updates, follow ChicagoMusicGuide.com.