The City of Waukesha will be looking at substantial water rate hikes during the next four-to-five years related to its spending on a new water supply, presumably Lake Michigan - - but only if a willing seller is found and all eight Great Lakes states agree.
The increased rates have been projected before; what will be interesting is whether it can be successfully floated in a conservative city, a rough economy and a political and media environment dominated by campaigns centered on government size and spending.
Dear Dan,
ReplyDeleteIs that rate of $51.81 for Milwaukee, Oak Creek, or Racine?
Just asking because it appears that by releasing these numbers to the media, the negotiations have concluded and therefore no more closed door meetings may take place by Wisconsin Open Meetings law.
Just asking because all 3 water utilities are believing the process by the Waukesha Water Utility is by good faith.
A 25% annual increase compounded for 5 years with the shown Milwaukee estimate and creek return vs. a direct return to Lake Michigan will increase a water bill by the following:
ReplyDeleteYear 1 - $333.01
Year 2 - $416.27
Year 3 - $520.33
Year 4 - $650.41
Year 5 - $813.02
This does not include the sewer treatment system planned upgrade or the sewer portion of the bill.
If you live in the Town of Waukesha recognize that if you join the City of Waukesha service area you were told by the utility manager at a public hearing that you will be a retail customer of the Waukesha utility. You do not have the infrastructure to receive the water, or the support staff for a utility. The same is true for the sewer system. Add that capital improvement cost to your bill.