Data from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin breaks down how much residents in different communities pay quarterly for 18,750 gallons of water usage. Dollar amounts are presented as a range, representing 20th percentile groupings.
• Monroe, Gratiot: $24.65 to $56.13
• Argyle, Belleville, Brodhead, South Wayne: $56.13 to $69.38
• Albany, Browntown, Monticello, New Glarus, Wiota: $69.38 to $84.38
• Blanchardville, Brooklyn: $84.38 to $107.63
• Hollandale, Footville: $107.63 to $337.50
Source: Public Service Commission of Wisconsin
MONROE - The Board of Public Works voted unanimously Monday, April 1 to have a water and wastewater rate study performed by Ehlers, the city's financial advising firm.
Rate increases based on the study could come as early as 2014.
The study would include financial background and projections in determining rate increases, as well as information for considering future utility spending, according to Alan Eckstein, director of water utilities, and Phil Rath, city administrator.
The cost of the study, about $18,500, is divided between the utilities - about $12,000 is for water and $6,000 for wastewater - and has been budgeted in their general operations. Eckstein said the water study costs more, because it has not been done recently and because it must meet guidelines of the Public Service Commission.
Monroe residents saw an 18-percent increase in sewer bills last fall, most of it stemming from costs to upgrade the wastewater facility. The city council approved a water rate increase of 16.1 percent in March 16, 2010, just one-half of what the PSC had approved.
According to a PSC water bill comparison map for 2012, Monroe ranks in the lowest 20th percentile in the county, in which quarterly bills range between $25 and $56 for 18,750 gallons.
Brodhead and Belleville rank in the second lowest 20th percentile, $56 to $69. New Glarus, Monticello and Albany rank in the middle sector, $69 to $84. Brooklyn water bills, in the $84 to $108 range, are the highest in the county.
Rate increases based on the study could come as early as 2014.
The study would include financial background and projections in determining rate increases, as well as information for considering future utility spending, according to Alan Eckstein, director of water utilities, and Phil Rath, city administrator.
The cost of the study, about $18,500, is divided between the utilities - about $12,000 is for water and $6,000 for wastewater - and has been budgeted in their general operations. Eckstein said the water study costs more, because it has not been done recently and because it must meet guidelines of the Public Service Commission.
Monroe residents saw an 18-percent increase in sewer bills last fall, most of it stemming from costs to upgrade the wastewater facility. The city council approved a water rate increase of 16.1 percent in March 16, 2010, just one-half of what the PSC had approved.
According to a PSC water bill comparison map for 2012, Monroe ranks in the lowest 20th percentile in the county, in which quarterly bills range between $25 and $56 for 18,750 gallons.
Brodhead and Belleville rank in the second lowest 20th percentile, $56 to $69. New Glarus, Monticello and Albany rank in the middle sector, $69 to $84. Brooklyn water bills, in the $84 to $108 range, are the highest in the county.