#Wausau Water Works Commission

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Wausau Committee approves $1M for new water meters

Wausau's Finance Committee on Wednesday approved transferring $1 million from its general fund balance to purchase new water meters by modifying the 2024 budget, while city leaders continue to grapple with a decision over PILOT policies.

Damakant Jayshi Wausau’s Finance Committee on Wednesday approved transferring $1 million from its general fund balance to purchase new water meters by modifying the 2024 budget, while city leaders continue to grapple with a decision over continuing to collect payments in lieu of taxes, or PILOT, from the utility. The staff from Wausau Water Works requested $1.8 million in total, saying that…

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Wausau Council votes down mayor’s attempt to bypass rules on PILOT reduction

By a slim majority, the Wausau City Council on Tuesday rejected Mayor Doug Diny's attempt to bypass rules for a resolution that would potentially change the way Wausau funds its water utility.

Damakant Jayshi By a slim majority, the Wausau City Council on Tuesday rejected Mayor Doug Diny’s attempt to bypass rules for a resolution that would potentially change the way Wausau funds its water utility. Diny on Tuesday tried to introduce a resolution that would limit a so-called “hidden tax” on residents, a change that advocates say could reduce Wausau’s skyrocketing water bills. Wausau’s…

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Wausau Water Commission slate still unclear

The makeup of Wausau's Water Commission under the new administration has not yet been finalized, after one alder resigned and a second member's term concluded.

Damakant Jayshi The makeup of Wausau’s Water Commission under the new administration has not yet been finalized, after one alder resigned and a second member’s term concluded. Alder Becky McElhaney on April 24 resigned from the Water Commission via a letter to Mayor Doug Diny. In her letter, she said she is unable to serve due to her load of both standing committees, commissions and task force…

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Wausau Water Commission gives preliminary nod to solar array

The task force recommended plans be prepared for the panel, which will be installed near the city's new drinking water treatment plant at an estimated cost of roughly $2.5 million.

Damakant Jayshi Plans for a solar panel near Wausau’s new drinking water are closer to reality after approval by the Water Commission, which accepted a recommendation from the Solar Array Task Force on Tuesday. The task force recommended plans be prepared for the panel, which will be installed near the city’s new drinking water treatment plant at an estimated cost of roughly $2.5 million. The…

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Your letters: Wausau's buck stops with the mayor's office

A Wausau reader makes the case for keeping the Wausau Water Works Commission, and also comments on the city's debt burden - in his letter to the editor.

Editor’s note: Wausau Pilot & Review gladly publishes commentary from readers, residents and candidates for local offices. The views of readers and columnists are independent of this newspaper and do not necessarily reflect the views of Wausau Pilot & Review. To submit, email editor@wausaupilotandreview.com or mail to 500 N. Third St., Suite 208-8, Wausau, Wis. 54403. Dear Editor, In an effort…

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Wausau holds off on abolishing water commission

City leaders this week balked at dismantling the Wausau Water works Commission but are exploring ways to increase oversight moving forward, after an hour-long discussion on Tuesday.

Damakant Jayshi City leaders this week balked at dismantling the Wausau Water works Commission but are exploring ways to increase oversight moving forward, after an hour-long discussion on Tuesday. The five-member commission, chaired by the mayor, is an independent and nonpartisan utility commission that manages and operates the water and sewage operations of the city. The city attorney will…

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Column: Is another water rate increase coming to Wausau? Here's what you need to know

Are we going to have another water rate increase soon? I would say the odds are good. Unless the city was absolutely clairvoyant in building its last rate case, then another rate hike is in the cards.

By Keene Winters Are we going to have another water rate increase soon? I would say the odds are good. Unless the city was absolutely clairvoyant in building its last rate case, then another rate hike is in the cards. To understand what is driving costs, a little background might be helpful and there are two things a person should know. First, Wausau Water Works is customarily a sleepy little…

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Wausau's proposed lead service line replacement ordinance draws cost, transparency questions

A proposed ordinance to require mandatory replacement of private lead service lines is on the Wausau City Council agenda for Tuesday, but could be pushed back amid concerns about a lack of promised public engagement sessions for residents.

By Shereen Siewert | Wausau Pilot & Review A proposed ordinance to require mandatory replacement of private lead service lines is on the Wausau City Council agenda for Tuesday, but could be pushed back amid concerns about a lack of promised public engagement sessions. In November, some Wausau Water Works Commission members asked pointed questions about the financial impact on ratepayers due to…

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Documenters: Wausau Water Works meeting notes

With an $80 million wastewater treatment facility on the horizon, the Water Works commission talks about community exposure and regional partnerships.

By Owen Reissmann for Wausau Pilot and Review

At the Wausau Water Works commission meeting, held Tuesday, one commission member suggested Public Works Director Eric Lindman bring a discussion of the proposed $80 million wastewater treatment facility upgrade to the Wausau neighborhood meetings to get more community exposure and increase transparency for city residents.

Mayor Robert Mielke…