The utility rate increase was passed unanimously by the Baraboo Common Council and took effect June 24; customers will see the new water rates reflected on their October bill. The measure will take 1,000 gallons of water from a cost of $1.68 to $3.11. According to Wade Peterson, utility superintendent, the average home will take around three months to use 1,000 gallons of water. The first 37,500 gallons is charged via a bulk water fee.
Utility-related fees will go up as well and two new fees have been created. Consumers will pay a $20 missed appointment charge, and a new real estate hook-up will cost $20 as well. Hydrant service charges, temporary meter service charges, and reconnection charges will all be increasing. Reconnection fees during business hours will go from $40 to $55, and after business hours will increase from $60 to $85.
Chambers of Commerce are always looking for ways to sell their community and use brochure printing shops to bring in new employers, as well as families.
Peterson expounded on the increase, saying:
“We’re still going to be extremely competitive if there are companies that want to come to town and are significant water users.”
He believes that homeowners will be impacted the most.