Jacksonville, IL - A community braces for a major economic impact as one of its largest employers plans to close. The ACH plant in Jacksonville is scheduled to shut down on January 1st.
The plant manufactures shortening and other oil-based products. It has been a major economic engine for Jacksonville since it first opened as "Mrs. Tucker's Foods" in 1953. It’s also the biggest consumer of municipal water and sewer, bringing the city $450,000 in revenue.
Now, city leaders are looking at a citywide water rate increase to make up for that major hit to their budget. The proposed increase will raise water bills by 8% to 13% depending on how much water is used by the customer.
The Jacksonville City Council is set to vote on the proposal next Monday.
