(HORICON) People in Horicon will start seeing higher sewer bills this year as construction begins on a major wastewater treatment plant upgrade city leaders say is necessary to meet state regulations and allow future growth.
The city’s current plant, built in 1983, is nearing capacity and needs upgrades to meet phosphorus removal requirements and modern safety standards, according to Horicon DPW and Utilities Director Cody Vanderhei. Construction on the new system is now underway near River Bend Park at the south end of Valley Street.
City officials say the roughly $34.5 million project includes engineering, inspections, and contingency costs, along with a $3.1 million clean water funding grant from the state. The project is expected to take about two and a half years to complete.
Vanderhei said the city cannot continue expanding housing or business development without the upgrade because the current system is nearly maxed out.
“If you hit capacity, that means that you can’t bring anyone else into that sewer system,” Vanderhei said.
The city plans to spread sewer rate increases over four years instead of making one large jump at once. Horicon Director of Finance and Treasurer Chrissy Wild said the current sewer rates are $8.88 per 1,000 gallons with a $6.60 base charge. Beginning this year, rates will increase to $12.16 per 1,000 gallons with an $8.94 base charge.
Additional increases are planned through 2029. City officials said those numbers could still change depending on final construction costs.
Mayor Josh Maas said the project is one of the largest infrastructure investments in the city’s history but called it essential for Horicon’s future.
“Water, roads, wastewater, electricity — those are critical infrastructure that nobody can live without,” Maas said.
Officials said the upgraded plant is being designed with future expansion in mind so additional treatment capacity can be added more easily as the city grows.
