Wastewater Rate FAQ

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Wastewater Rate Increase FAQs

Due to several essential large capital projects needing to be undertaken, coupled with a loss in revenue from a large industrial customer and a waste-hauling company, the Wastewater Utility contracted with an independent consultant in 2020 to review the Utility's financial condition and make recommendations to ensure the financial viability of future operations.

Wastewater
- How long will the new equipment last before we need another upgrade?
  The robust, industrial grade equipment to be purchased is built to withstand heavy use. A minimum of 20 years of service is expected.
- How much will the increase be?
  Actual increases will be based on customer type, varying between 17% and 25% in 2021. Based on future financial projections, the study recommends annual rate increases of 4% in 2022 through 2025 in order to meet future cash flow needs.
  
  The Wastewater portion of the City Service Invoice for residential customers represents about 26% of the total invoice. The average residential customer will see a quarterly increase on the City Service Invoice of approximately $13 in 2021.
- How was it determined that a rate increase was needed?
  The 2020 budget included money to complete a Rate Study. Information on details of the study were reviewed by the Utilities Committee on October 13, 2020 .
- What do rates look like in neighboring cities?
  As detailed in the rate study, even with the proposed rate increase, the Appleton Wastewater charges are still less than those charged by our neighboring communities.
- What other revenues does the utilities department bring in?
  Our utilities department runs a successful receiving station waste-hauler program that generates a substantial alternate source of revenue.
- When was the last rate increase?
  Utilities' waste-hauler program, coupled with the department's diligence in holding down operating expenses and prudent investment in capital improvements, has allowed Utilities to maintain the same customer billing rates for over nine years, with the last rate adjustment occurring July 1, 2011.'
- When will the rate increase take place?
  1-Jan-21
- Who approved the rate increase?
  The selection of the consultant was approved by Common Council on November 6, 2019.' The Common Council approved the rate increase on October 21, 2020.
- Why are our wastewater rates increasing?
  The Utilities department is constantly performing maintenance and upgrading equipment. The last significant equipment upgrade at the plant was completed in the early 1990's, and thus some equipment is reaching the end of its useful life and in need of replacement.

Wastewater

How long will the new equipment last before we need another upgrade?

How much will the increase be?

How was it determined that a rate increase was needed?

What do rates look like in neighboring cities?

What other revenues does the utilities department bring in?

When was the last rate increase?

When will the rate increase take place?

Who approved the rate increase?

Why are our wastewater rates increasing?