Executive Committee Advances Dissolution of Southeast Joliet Sanitary District
Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | January 8, 2026
Article Summary: The Executive Committee moved forward with two resolutions to facilitate the dissolution of the Southeast Joliet Sanitary District (SEJSD) and transfer its operations to the City of Joliet. The county will utilize federal funds to upgrade the district’s aging infrastructure.
Utility Transfer Key Points:
-
Dissolution Plan: SEJSD operations will transfer to the City of Joliet effective February 1, 2026.
-
Infrastructure Investment: The county will use Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to upgrade water meters and infrastructure.
-
Inspection Agreement: The county authorized an intergovernmental agreement allowing Joliet to hire third-party inspectors for the meter replacement project.
-
Consumer Protection: Member David Oxley requested assurances that homeowners would not be penalized for existing interior plumbing issues during meter installation.
JOLIET, Ill. — The dissolution of the Southeast Joliet Sanitary District (SEJSD) is entering its final stages, with the Will County Executive Committee approving key agreements on Thursday, January 8, 2026, to transfer services to the City of Joliet.
The committee advanced a resolution authorizing an intergovernmental agreement between the County, the City of Joliet, and the SEJSD. Under the plan, Joliet will assume ownership and operation of the water and sewer systems. To support the transition, the county is deploying CDBG and ARPA funds to cover the costs of replacing incompatible water meters for approximately 750 active customers.
Member David Oxley (R-Lockport) raised concerns about potential liabilities for residents during the meter replacement process. He requested clarification that inspections would stop at the meter and not trigger code violations for pre-existing interior plumbing.
“I just want to make sure we have no problems with homeowners getting tagged… because their plumbing is not up to the new codes,” Oxley said.
Elaine Bottomley, representing the County Executive’s office, confirmed that the agreement is designed to limit inspections to the meter installation work itself. The resolutions now move to the full county board for final approval.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Executive Committee: Speaker VanDuyne and Member Butler Clash Over Removal of Committee Chair
Finance Committee: County Appropriates Fees from $25 Million Wilmington Warehouse Project
Capital Imp Committee: Begins Drafting Policy to Regulate Artificial Intelligence in County Government
Public Health Committee Chair Demands Animal Control Agreements for Crete, Monee
Public Works Committee Considers Taking Over Kankakee County Line Road to Expedite Bridge Repairs
Peotone Man Charged With Disorderly Conduct, Criminal Damage at New Lenox Target
Executive Committee: Update to Land Resource Management Plan; Solar Farms and Rural Zoning Dominate Discussion
Will County Committee Adds Path to Citizenship Support to Federal Agenda
Health Department Outlines Major Reduction in Consensus Vaccine Schedule
Public Works Committee Forwards Condemnation Proceedings for Francis and Marley Road Improvements
Finance Committee: Scholarship Tax Credit Discussion Halts
Will County Health Department Reports Rise in Respiratory Illnesses, Updates on Facility Issues
