(Beaver Dam) Water rates are expected to go up in Beaver Dam on February 1. The common council Monday night unanimously approved a three-percent (3%) jump, which translates to an average increase of $2.14 per quarter for residential customers, or 71-cents.
The last time a water rate hike went into effect in Beaver Dam was in mid-2017. At that time, the rate had not been increased in 12 years and utility customers saw a 30-percent increase, which translated to around four dollars per month for residential properties.
Director of Utilities Rob Minnema says the city wants to avoid the spike in utility bills that comes with waiting too long in between increases. The increase is needed because of shortfalls in the utility department with existing rates.
The next step for the city is to file an application with the Public Service Commission. Because Beaver Dam is seeking the increase within five years of its last increase, the state does not require a public hearing on the matter.
Prior to 2017, the city’s last water rate increase was in 2005 when it went up six-percent (6%).
