City of Wausau May See More Water Rate Hikes

Friday, December 8th, 2023 -- 9:00 AM

(Chris Conley, WSAU - WAOW) A few Wausau city council members are concerned that the future holds more water rate hikes for the city.

According to Chris Conley with WSAU and WAOW, nothing is set in stone just yet, but one council member says the city needs to act quickly, before people are drowning in water bills.

Wausau last increased water rates several months ago, in order to cover expenses related to the new water treatment plant. Now the Wausau Water Works may have to hire additional people to actually work at the plant.

Some current employees will need additional training for the new facility. Other new positions may be needed to operate the new technology. The budget for those workers was not included in the rate increase.

That’s something that has some council members frustrated. Alderman Tom Kilian said, “What I’m hearing is people are having a hard time right now affording their water just with the last 54% rate increase.”

Kilian encouraged people in Wausau to take action as much as possible, including writing to the council. Any additional rate increase would still be a ways off, if it’s needed in the first place.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.