County staff: American Water took ownership June 1 of local systems; condemnation stance unchanged

County staff provided an update on the local water systems that had been owned by Maryland Water Service and reported that American Water has represented it took ownership of the systems on June 1.

Staff said they had been unable to confirm that the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) or comparable regulatory authority in Illinois had approved the transfer; staff identified two possibilities: American Water may have waived the regulatory‑approval condition and closed anyway, or it may have obtained preliminary approval and proceeded. Staff said they had not confirmed which path occurred and that the ICC’s final action was, as far as staff could determine, outstanding.

Staff told commissioners that American Water’s representative, Laura Ronkel, told county representatives the company had taken ownership and that American Water’s public statements reflect that the transaction closed June 1. County staff said the county’s condemnation resolution remains valid and that staff will meet with American Water’s counsel to negotiate fair market value for the assets, and will update the board when negotiations proceed.

County staff also reported that calls to the tax and utility office reflected some early confusion from customers; American Water said it would coordinate messaging so customers understand it is the system operator going forward.