Portage common council votes unanimously to increase water rates

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At the June 26th, 2024 common council meeting alder-persons voted unanimously to increase water rates 4.1%.

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The City has contracted with Ehlers Public Finance Advisors on a potential water rate increase for 2024. Ehlers has recommended that the City apply for a Simplified Rate Increase, which allows up to a 4.1% increase in user rates. While the City did perform an increase in 2023; another increase is necessary to reduce the existing deficiency in present rates due to an operating loss in 2023.

To establish a rate increase, the City must apply with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC), for authority to increase water rates. This application will follow Council approval. Following the application to the PSC, new rates could go into effect 45 days from submission and a minimum of 1 year after the previous increase. The 2024 proposed increase would go into effect 45 days after approval from the PSC and no earlier than September 1, 2024.