The City of Two Rivers is answering questions about a possible sewer rate increase.
The city council heard information about a rate study done by Town and Country Engineering out of Madison for improvements at the city’s wastewater treatment plant.
The city has seen an increase in debt service due to continued maintenance at the site.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Department of Administration (DOA) have notified the city that they are estimated to have a more than $164,000 shortfall by 2026.
The city needs more than 110% debt coverage for Clean Water Fund Loans in the future.
Town and Country Representative Greg Droessler told the council that they have options, including raising the sewer rate for residents by $2.70 and modifying the municipal code to have industrial, public, and multifamily groups pay more if they have a bigger water meter.
City Engineer Matt Heckenliable tells SeehaferNews.com, “The treatment plant is an older facility that is constantly in need of tender love and care. Just like our underground infrastructure, our roadways are constantly in need; therefore, we constantly need to put dollars toward our infrastructure to maintain it in good operating condition.”
The city is already working to fix clarifiers, pumps, and valves at the wastewater plant.
With the changes, the city could earn an extra $132,000 a year with fixed fee charges.
There could also be a change coming to Riverside Foods, whose products cause a high demand in the sewer department, into compliance.
The council could vote on the rate increase next month.
The ordinance modification would go into effect in 2026.
