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.