The Merrill Water Utility has filed an application with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) to increase water rates. The increase is necessary because of the addition of $2.2 million in manganese removal treatment plant and increased chemical costs since the last water rate case in 2010 with a 2011 test year.
The total increase in water revenues requested is $121,641, which will result in an estimated overall rate increase of 10% over the water utility’s present revenues. If the request is granted, the water bill for general service and public fire protection service for an average residential customer with a 5/8-inch or ¾-inch meter who uses 1,300 cubic feet (approx. 9,750 gallons) of water per quarter will increase from $56.28 to $63.49, an increase of less than 8 cents per day.
A telephonic public hearing on the application has been scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 15, at 10 a.m. in the Council Chambers at the Merrill City Hall, 1004 E. First St., Merrill. Scheduling questions regarding this hearing may be directed to the PSCW at 608-266-3766.
A person may also submit testimony by visiting the PSCW’s web site at http://psc.wi.gov,
writing out a comment and submitting it at the public hearing session, or mailing written comments to Docket 3610-WR-104 Comments, Public Service Commission, P.O. Box 7854, Madison, WI 53707-7854.
For more information, contact the Merrill Water Utility at 715-536-6561.