Proposed increase to sewer utility charges

Increase to help pay for capital projects over next 5 years

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) — City of La Crosse residents should expect to pay more for sewer services.

On Monday the Board of public works approved a recommendation for a 10-percent increase to the bill.

That amount was recommended by a consultant the city’s Utility Department hired earlier this year. The good news is the city Sanitary Sewer Utility will be debt free starting next year. That means the money can go towards some other growing costs.

“We know that we’re going to be getting a very stringent phosphorous limit at our treatment plant, and we know that’s going to be expensive. And so the 10-percent is basically for capital projects over the next five years to get us to that point,” said Utilities Manager Mark Johnson.

If the city council approves the increase it will go into effect the first of next year.