Kronenwetter sewer rates to increase 8 percent starting October 2023
On August 14, 2023, at the regular meeting of the Kronenwetter Village Board, the board passed Resolution 2023-009. The resolution authorized the increase to the sewer consumption rate by eight percent.
The increase comes as a result of a recent sewer rate study performed by Ehlers, a public finance advisory. Their findings determined the utility, while still debt free, is currently not fully funding inflation rates which is a concern with the Village’s aging sewer system. The rate increase is also a pro-active decision to plan for the upcoming capital improvement projects including lift station rebuilds.
The new rate will take effect on October 1, 2023. The increase on the sewer consumption charge is going from $3.39 per 1,000 gallons of metered water to $3.66 per 1,000 gallons of metered water. This means the average customer, using 12,000 gallons, in the Village will see an increase of approximately $5 on their quarterly utility bills or $20 per year estimated (based on use/consumption).
Looking back, the last sewer rate increase came in 2015. In 2015 the rate increases went into effect over three phases, totaling a 15 percent increase.
For implementation of the rate increase, customers with an account number that begins will 003 will see a prorated increase in October 2023. Utility customers with an account number beginning in 001 will see a prorated increase on their November 2023 bill. Customers with an account number that begins with 002 will see an increase on their December 2023 bill.
Ehlers also did a study of the public water utility and determined that at this time no increase was needed or necessary, so you will not see any changes on the consumption rate on your utility bills. This will also be monitored closely to ensure the Kronenwetter Water Utility can be proactive in planning for the future.
Find the Ehlers water and sewer study presentation in the August 1, 2023 Utility Committee Packet here: https://mccmeetings.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/krnwtrwi-pubu/MEET-Packet-04f343ffb30848ac934a38601ab5a506.pdf
