Racine Wastewater Utility wants to raise sewer rates by less than 1%, says the increase is necessary

RACINE, WI — The Racine Wastewater Utility (RWWU) proposes raising sewer rates by less than 1% in the communities it serves according to its preliminary 2025 budget.

If approved by the Racine Common Council, the budget would raise sewer rates marginally for Racine residents and businesses. Adjustments would also affect users in Elmwood Park, North Bay, Mount Pleasant, Caledonia, and Sturtevant.

Utility proposed rate changes

Under the 2025 proposal, rates would see change in the following ways:

City of Racine: The rate per hundred cubic feet (ccf) would increase by 0.5%, from $2.87 to $2.89​.

Elmwood Park and North Bay: Rates would rise slightly by 0.1%, from $2.84 to $2.85 per ccf.

Mount Pleasant and Caledonia (internal usage): Rates per million gallons (MG) would decrease by 0.4%, from $1,494.97 to $1,489.35​(rwwu_2025 sewer rates.

Mount Pleasant and Caledonia (external usage): Rates would increase by 0.5%, from $1,806.22 to $1,814.43 per MG.

Why the rate increases are needed

RWWU in the budget highlighted the need for sustainable operations and reliable service as the primary drivers of the proposed rate adjustments:

Increased Operational and Maintenance : The cost of daily expenses continues to increase. Paying for labor, utilities, and essential equipment allows the utility to maintain reliable wastewater services and avoiding costly future repairs.

Infrastructure Upgrades and Capital Improvements: The 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Plan addresses the need to proactively address the utility's aging infrastructure, reducing the risk of unexpected expenses and service disruptions.

Environmental and Regulatory Compliance: RWWU must adhere to strict environmental standards set by state and federal agencies. Compliance often requires investing in new technology, operational changes, and additional monitoring to protect local water quality and public health.

Cost Sharing Across Multiple Municipalities: The utility serves Racine and several nearby communities, including Elmwood Park, North Bay, Mount Pleasant, Caledonia, and Sturtevant. Shared-cost models allow utilities like RWWU to distribute costs based on service needs.

Public Meeting Details

The proposed 2025 budget will be discussed during a Committee of the Whole meeting:

: Thursday, November 7, 2024

: 6:00 PM

: City Hall, Room 205, 730 Washington Ave., Racine, WI​.

Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to attend to voice their opinions and ask questions about the proposed budget and rate adjustments. Anyone who has accessibility needs should contact the utility at 262-636-9171 at least 48 hours before the meeting.

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