Diamond to offset water rate increase with gaming revenue

The Village of Diamond is using proceeds from video gaming to offset an increase in water rates for residents.
Costs for water use are typically about $50 every month for homeowners, but that amount is increasing to just under $56. The rate increase is necessary for the village to qualify for a $1.5 million community development block grant from the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Diamond Mayor Terry Kernc said the village needs the funds to replace an aging water main north of Route 113.
“[Diamond residents] will not pay that additional cost,” Kernc said Monday, adding that she expects the new rate to take effect in August. Residents will see a credit on their bills that comes from the money the village receives from video gaming.
The village board discussed the issue at their meeting on June 23 and have already started the permit and grant application process. The grants, which do not require municipalities to provide matching funds, are used to repair and replace outdated utilities and infrastructure.
Upgrading the water system in Diamond has been a recent priority, the mayor said.
“We just spent $600,000 about two years ago to replace a water main [on the south side] of the village,” Kernc said. A new water main north of Route 113 will leave the village “in excellent shape and prevent any more leaks,” she said.
The village’s water treatment plant, north of Route 113 and east of Will Road, was built in 2009. It treats over 200,000 gallons daily.
Revenue from video gaming is divided among terminal operators, the state, local municipalities and licensed establishments. There are 9,000 licensed gaming establishments in the state and over 49,000 machines.
According to the Illinois Gaming Board, there are 41 video gaming terminals at seven different locations in Diamond. Over the months of May and June, those locations saw $339,744 in wagering activity. The village’s share during that period was $17,005.