Editor’s note: The following information has been released by Fort Atkinson city officials regarding increases in the city’s water rates.
The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin formally approved a simplified rate case for a water rate increase for Fort Atkinson water utility customers. The increase became effective on July 1. Increases will appear in the utility bills received by Fort Atkinson water utility customers in October, according to information recently released by city officials.
The increase for homeowners is on average 4.1%, or, the release noted, an average of $3.14 on the residential bimonthly bill.
As stated in the release, the base rate will increase from $13.90 to $14.47. Usage rate will increase from $3.30 per 100 cubic feet (748 gallons) to $3.44 per 100 cubic feet. The public fire protection rate will go from $21.20 to $22.07 and the water main replacement rate will go from $3.80 to $3.96. The city’s last rate case was in 2020 and approved in 2021, prior to that it was 2010. The 2020 rate increase funded a dedicated, annual, water main replacement program, now in its third year. So far the city has replaced 14,100 linear feet of water main, or just under 3 miles of the approximately 75 miles of water main. The simple rate increase will adjust for increased costs in that program as well as operating expenses for the Water Utility, the release read.
As noted in the release, “there are several components to each water bill, the fixed base rate, is fixed for all customer categories based on the size of the meter, and the usage rate, which is variable based upon the volume of water used. Fire protection and water main replacement rates are also fixed charges based on meter size. Utility bills also include sewer and stormwater rates, which had increases go into effect earlier this year.”
Offering some history, the release noted that the Fort Atkinson Water Utility was formed in 1901, and is comprised of 75 miles of water mains. The network of underground pipes moves water to meet daily demands of residents, industry, and institutions and is a crucial component of fire suppression.
For more information about the utility, and the associated rate changes, contact Fort Atkinson Director of Public Works Andy Selle by email: aselle@fortatkinsonwi.gov or phone: 920-397-9901. Questions about utility bills can be directed to the city’s Utility Billing department: 920-397-9902.
Fort Atkinson Municipal Building, file photo/Chris Spangler.
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