Kankakee utility reports under-budget year, steady operations, and continued storm repairs

Kankakee City Environmental Services staff told the advisory committee May 18 that the utility is ending fiscal year 2026 in a positive position and continuing routine operations and storm recovery work.

The finance presenter said expenses finished the year at about 85.4% of budget — roughly $3.6 million under projections — while revenues closed approximately $457,000 above estimates. Operating cash decreased from about $5 million to $3.9 million as the department paid invoices to close FY26; several planned projects (including parking-lot seal coating) were deferred into fiscal 2027. The presenter said liability insurance and certain maintenance lines were higher than expected and will be monitored during next year’s budget process.

On operations, Mr. Lopez reported alley and terrace pickups continuing, with east-side terraces completed that day. Crews are patching roads, have set up an emulsion tank pending oil pricing, and are training a new operator. He said the county helped burn and grade brush at the brush dump and will supply millings to restore gravel.

Technical services reported completion of annual outdoor siren maintenance and ongoing repairs from tornado damage, including an order for 150 streetscape lights; staff also plan summer outreach at the farmers market and will employ three summer hires from the Keys youth program. Sewer services staff said a new chopper pump will be installed in early June and that JULIE locate requests rose due to storm cleanup and fiber work. Lab services reported a short industry-related issue with elevated copper limits that staff are investigating.

Committee members asked about staffing limits for seasonal work and contract limits for bulky construction debris; staff said the city’s garbage contractor does not collect construction debris and crews are limited by safe lifting requirements (approximately 100 pounds) in the contract. The committee took no immediate policy action; reports were received for filing.