At its November 7 meeting, the Board approved a new water and sewer rate ordinance to help fund the transition to Lake Michigan water through the DuPage Water Commission in 2027.

The Board’s approval comes after a water and sewer rate study was conducted earlier this year that considered several scenarios to increase rates. The Board chose the scenario that will create the lowest bill for typical residential customers and seniors. The senior rate continues to be half of the non-senior rate, as well.

The Village’s goal is to minimize rate increases to customers, ensure that all water and sewer customers pay their fair share in rates, have the funds necessary to connect to Lake Michigan, and properly maintain the existing water and sewer system. Over the last several years, the Village has taken several actions to offset the project’s costs, including the passage of a real estate transfer tax referendum that allocates all revenue to the water fund, passing on significant water connection fees to developers, and investing in the Village’s water infrastructure to allow minimal water loss due to water main leaks and other challenges.

Water and sewer rates increase start on January 1, 2024 and the first utility bill to reflect the increase will be issued in March 2024. 

Learn more about the new water and sewer rates and the final water and sewer rate study. The Village will continue to update residents and businesses on the new water source and rate changes at oswegoil.org/water.

Early this week, the Village Board approved a Special Use Permit and Planned Unit Development to allow for a cricket pitch, stadium, restaurant and hotel for the Breybourne Cricket Stadium.              

The cricket stadium project, approximately 34 acres, is located on the northwest corner of Orchard Road and Tuscany Trail. The Village Board’s approval includes a Special Use Permit to allow for an outdoor cricket stadium with a restaurant and a hotel; Preliminary PUD for Phases II, III, IV, Future Phase, restaurant and hotel; and Final PUD for Phase I. For each subsequent phase, as well as the restaurant and hotel, Chakra360 LLC will be required to return for staff review and the Planning and Zoning Commission and Village Board for review and approval. 
    
Phase I is expected to begin in spring 2024 with the construction of the cricket pitch and field, as well as the installation of underground drain tiles. 

Learn more about the cricket stadium project. 

Attend a short ceremony to honor our veterans at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 11 at the Oswego Veterans Memorial Plaza, 1 Main Street. The posting of colors, firing party and bagpipes will be presented by the Oswego American Legion Post 675, Oswego Police Department and Oswego Fire Protection District.

Help the Rotary Club of Oswego support veterans in need by donating items on Veterans Day from 10 a.m. to noon at the Club's gazebo in front of Village Hall, 100 Parkers Mill. View a list of suggested items.

In observance of Veterans Day, Village facilities will be closed on Friday, November 10. 

Clean your home, inside and out! Take advantage of the Village’s free Fall Clean-up the week of November 13. On your regularly scheduled garbage day, put out yard waste in paper bags, mattresses, furniture, old holiday decorations and other bulk items.
Place all items at the curb by 6 a.m. on your garbage day. Stickers are not needed during this special collection, so fill up 30-gallon Kraft paper bags with brush and yard waste. Note that appliances, televisions, electronics and household hazardous waste will not be collected.

Learn more about the free collection and how to dispose of items that are not accepted at the curb: bit.ly/Clean-upWeek2023.

The Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) for fiscal year 2023 is now available online. The PAFR is an easy-to-read explanation of the Village’s financial standing, including information on taxes, expenditures and funding for megaprojects. The 2023 fiscal year covers May 1, 2022 to April 30, 2023. 

Review the 2023 PAFR report and view the Village's online Finance Portal for additional reports and current figures on expenses and revenue.  

Kick off the holiday season at the Oswego Christmas Walk presented by Allied First Bank on Friday, December 1 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. in downtown Oswego. 

Bring the whole family to watch and listen as local school groups, choirs, dance studios and non-profit organizations perform at the TR Miller Heating, Cooling and Plumbing Main Stage throughout the event. View the entertainment schedule and featured activities to plan your evening.