MARSHFIELD, WI (OnFocus) – Marshfield Utilities has filed an application with the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) to increase water rates. The proposed increase is necessary due to a 39.32% rise in gross plant investment and a 20.41% increase in operating expenses since the last rate adjustment in 2016. Factors driving the increase include higher operating costs, lead water service replacements, water treatment facility upgrades, above-ground storage tank painting, and PFAS treatment facility implementation. The total requested increase in water revenues is $773,616, representing a 12.98% overall rate increase.
In addition, the City of Marshfield recently approved a resolution changing the method of recovering public fire protection (PFP) costs from a property value-based method to an equivalent meters method. Marshfield Utilities has requested PSC authorization to collect PFP charges directly from customers based on this method. If approved, the monthly water bill for an average residential customer using 355 cubic feet of water and with a property value of $115,000 would rise from $31.42 to $36.36, an increase of 15.74%.
A public hearing on the rate increase is scheduled for Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. The hearing will be conducted via Zoom, with no physical location. Members of the public may participate via Zoom or by audio-only telephone connection.
Zoom Meeting Details:
Online: https://us02web.zoom.us/my/pschearings
Telephone: Dial +1 312 626 6799, Enter Meeting ID 809 513 2930#
The PSC will also livestream and record the hearing on YouTube. Access is available through the Commission’s website at http://psc.wi.gov under the “News & Events” section, selecting “Broadcasts.”
Public comments can be submitted through three methods:
- Web Comment: Submit a comment online at http://psc.wi.gov under “Commission Action” > “File a Public Comment” for docket 3420-WR-107. Comments must be received by Friday, April 4, 2025.
- Live Comment: Speak at the public hearing after the close of testimony.
- Mail Comment: Send written comments to:
Attn: Docket 3420-WR-107 CommentsPublic Service CommissionP.O. Box 7854Madison, WI 53707-7854Must be received by April 4, 2025.
For additional details, visit the PSC’s website and search for docket 3420-WR-107 under the “Docket Search (CMS)” section. Questions can be directed to Marshfield Utilities at (715) 387-1195.
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Author: News Desk
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