Pay Your Utility Bill
Elert Subscription
Employee Access
FAQs
Below are some commonly asked questions. If your question does not appear below please feel free to contact us at the Village Utility Office (217) 483-2451.
I am putting up a fence. Do I need a building permit?
You must have a building permit for most structure, structural change, or fence. You must call J.U.L.I.E. to have your utilities located before doing any digging. J.U.L.I.E. is a free locator service and can be reached at 1-800-892-0123 or the easy to remember 8-1-1.
Is there a leash law in Chatham?
There is a leash law. Domesticated animals, including but not limited to dogs, shall not run at large within the village limits. The village has a contract with Sangamon County Animal Control to pick up dogs and some other animals at large. If your animal is picked up, there will be a fine to retrieve it.
Can I park across sidewalks?
You are not allowed to park on or across sidewalks.
Can I park a vehicle along the street if the vehicle does not run?
The inoperative vehicle ordinance states that all vehicles on your property must start and run under their own power or the inoperative vehicle will be towed at the owner's expense.
What am I allowed to burn on my property?
The village burning ordinance bans all burning other that bare twigs generated from the trees on your property. The fires must be on the open ground on your property and properly attended, and may only be between sunrise and sunset on Wednesdays through Saturdays only. There is no burning allowed on holidays or when the wind speed is over 12 mph.
There is a hole in the street by my property, can I fill it with rock?
You are not allowed to put rock in ditches or along the road. Please contact the village at (217) 483-2451 before dumping rock or putting in culverts.
When is my utility bill payment due?
UTILITY BILLS ARE DUE ON THE 15TH OF EACH MONTH. The Village Office has a drop box for your convenience on the east side of their building in the drive-thru. All returned checks will be assessed a fee.
Can I put our portable basketball hoop on the street?
Portable basketball hoops and trash containers are not to be placed on village streets or right-of-ways.
Can I landscape around my water and electric meters?
Landscaping can be done around meters. HOWEVER, NO landscaping or coverage of meters may be done which blocks the view or access or your water or electric meters. All landscaping must be kept pruned at all times. All landscaping is subject to removal for maintenance on the meters.
Who do I call if I am having sewer problems?
If you have a sewer problem (backing up, etc.) call the Village and we will check to see if it is a Village problem or the homeowners. The village will assist you in determining the problem. However, the property owner is responsible for maintenance and repair of the service line.
Does the Village offer an equalizer plan for utility bills?
At this time, there is NO equalizer plan for utility payments. The village used to offer a plan, but due to software issues, we decided to get rid of the plan after the catch up month in May 2011. We are currently looking into software solutions.
Does the Village offer a Senior Citizen Discount on bills?
The village offers a Senior Discount on Electric bills. You must be 62 years or older and no one in the home can still be working on a full-time basis. Please call the Village office to sign up at (217) 483-2451.
Do I have to maintain the ditch since it is on city property?
Yes, you are responsible for maintaining the village right-of-ways on your property (i.e. between sidewalk & street, also alleys or easements adjacent to or on your property.
I trimmed the trees in my yard; will the village pick up the limbs?
Please refer to the yard waste policy under the Government tab and click on the City Departments on this website for guidelines or call the village office at (217) 483-2451.
Can I have my utility bill withdrawn from my bank account?
A Direct Pay Option is available for paying your utility bill. The bill amount can be deducted from your designated bank account on the 15th of each month. More information and the required authorization forms are available from the village office.
Can I pay my bill with a credit/or debit card?
Yes, you may pay with a credit or debit card by calling it in over the phone, bringing it by during business hours or through our website (VISA is not accepted on-line).