Public Works Committee Approves Water Utility Rate Increase

At the city’s Public Works Committee meeting this evening, approval was given to a 3% water utility increase.

City staff said the increase is necessary to avoid possibly going into a negative balance within the next few years. Inaction, they argued, could also potentially hurt the utility’s bond rating, force the need to borrow, and hurt capital projects.

Fourth District Alderman Keith Werner, who serves on the committee, motioned to approve the rate increase, which will result in an additional quarterly rate of $1.80 for the average home.

Fifth District Alderman Dan Soltysiak, reluctantly seconded the motion, contending that the possible negative effects of inaction wouldn’t happen for some time down the road.

Werner stated that city residents tend to be conservative when it comes to spending their money, but that they’re not opposed to spending for the right reasons. Approving the increase, he argued, will be better than the possible alternatives.

The last time rates received an increase was in 2008.

The utility’s application for the increase is slated to be filed with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin on June 29, with the rate increase taking effect on October 1.

Under Wisconsin Stat. 196.193, in which the request to the Public Service Commission is being made, a public hearing is not required.