Council To Consider Sewer Rate Increase

The Water and Wastewater Commission has recommended a 6 percent increase in sewer rates, and the South Milwaukee City Council will vote on the measure at its meeting Wednesday night.

The proposed increase, which would be effective April 1, reflects an increase in both “fixed rates” and consumption rates. If approved, the average homeowner in the city would see their trimester bill increase $5.41, from $90.67 to $96.08.

For the year, that’s a $16.23 increase for the average homeowner.

(Rates for industrial, institutional and other users are also going up 6 percent.)

The reasons behind the increase are similar to those behind the water rate increase in 2011, although the proposed increase is much smaller. They include:

• State-mandated facility upgrades, including a new ultraviolet disinfection system, replacement of main power distribution components, updates to the final water clarification and activated sludge processes and installation of a new emergency generator at the wastewater plant;
• Decreased revenues due to reduced consumption, driven in large part by improved water efficiency measures;
• Increased operational costs, including rising energy, supply and repair costs – expenses that do not decrease even as consumption decreases; and
• Ongoing efforts to reduce inflow and infiltration into the sewer system – a contributing factor to the flooding problems of recent years. The rate increase will allow wastewater personnel to continue to locate and eliminate areas where stormwater is entering the wastewater system while also improving the overall wastewater collection system to more efficiently get sewage to the treatment plant, reducing basement backups.

I should point out that I will not be at Wednesday’s meeting, as I will be out of town on business. However, I did attend the Feb. 13 Water and Wastewater Commission meeting, where this topic was discussed, and I suspect I would support the increase.

Why? The reasons outlined above are compelling, and the percentage increase seems reasonable, especially because it’s the first one since 2007. Things indeed cost more than they did five years ago, and the reduction in consumption is a real issue for utilities across the area and country. The upgrades are also necessary to keep our treatment processes first-class.

I also look at this increase as an investment in our continued utility independence. I favor exploring consolidation in some areas of city government, but I would have a hard time supporting it for our water and wastewater facilities. These are well-run, efficient utilities that, with recent and planned upgrades, will be as strong as any in the region. So why change that?

For wastewater specifically, joining with the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District, our only other real alternative to delivering these services, does not appeal to me, in part because it could cost residents more. A rate study done several years ago shows South Milwaukee sewer rates compare quite favorably with other area communities. Even with the increase, we’ll still be cheaper than average – and cheaper than many communities now in MMSD.

I’ll keep you posted on this issue. In the meantime, I’d like to know what you think. Post your comments below!