FAQ
City Council
Q: When and where are the City Council meetings?
A: The City Council meetings are held on the first and third Mondays of every month beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Arcola City Hall, 114 N. Locust.
Q: How can I be placed on the agenda for a City Council meeting?
A: You may stop by City Hall to complete a form to be placed on the agenda. Forms must be returned to City Hall by noon on the Friday prior to the requested meeting.
Q: How can I request information under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act?
A: You may stop by City Hall to complete a Freedom of Information Act Request form. Forms are available online here.
Complaints
Q: Where do I call to report a complaint regarding weeds or trash on properties within the City Limits?
A: All weed and trash complaints are to be handled by the Arcola Police Department? Complaint forms are available here.
Q: Who should I contact with all other complaints?
A: You may contact our City Administrator at City Hall (217)-268-4966 or your council member. Council members are listed here.
Burning
Q: Are residents allowed to burn landscape and yard waste?
A: Residents are allowed to burn yard waste so long as the burning is done 20 feet from any structure and when it does not create a visible hazard on roadways or railraod tracks. A guide on Open Burning in Illinois can be found here.
Q: When are residents permitted to burn landscape and yard waste?
A: Residents are allowed to burn during the hours of 12:00 noon to 7:00 pm. According to the City Ordinance, fire must be extinguished and smoldering discontinued by 7:00 pm.
Q: Are residents permitted to have bonfires in the City?
A: Residents are allowed to have campfires for recreational and cooking purposes.
Water/Sewer
Q: How do I apply for water service?
A: 1) come to City Hall in person and complete a written application for service;
2) present driver’s license or some other form of photo identification; and
3) make a $100 deposit.
Q: When is my deposit returned?
A: Deposits may be: 1) applied to final bill;
2) refunded if final bill is paid in full; or
3) transferred to another account with a different address.
Q: When is my water/sewer bill due?
A: Water bills are due on the 10th day of each month.
**Late charges (10% of the bill) are automatically added on the 11th of each month.
Q: Should my water be disconnected due to nonpayment, what are the requirements to have it reconnected?
A: Notice on the water bill states that “Water Service will be shut off if any past due balance is not paid by the 20th of this month, unless a written request for hearing on disputed bill is received by City Collector before said date. A charge of $15.00 will be made for disconnecting and $15.00 for reconnecting water services. The fee for a returned check is $25.00.
Q: Where should I pay my water bill?
A: Payments may be: 1) mailed to the address on the bill (P.O. Box 215)
2) dropped in the night deposit slot at City Hall; or
3) paid in person during business hours at City Hall.
Q: Can I pay my water/sewer bill with a credit card?
A: Yes, you may pay in person or call in to 217-268-4966.
Q: What should I do if I cannot afford to pay my water bill?
A: If a customer is unable to pay his or her water and sewer bill in full by the 20th, he or she may come to City Hall and enter into a written, deferred payment agreement with the City.
Q: If I fill a swimming pool, do I have to pay the sewer portion of water used to fill the pool?
A: Yes.
Q: Who should I contact if I have a water leak after hours or on the weekend?
A: Please contact Arcola Police Department.
Q: Are water meter readings ever estimated?
A: We have advanced digital meters that report daily usage to City Hall so there is no longer a need to estimate usage.
Q: Who should I contact if I am having problems with my sewer lines?
A: Contact Arcola City Hall at 217-268-4966 during normal business hours. If you have issues after hours or on the weekend, please contact Arcola Police Department.