Fire station, water rates on big agenda

Posted at 1:30 p.m. on November 1, 2021

The Brillion News

Commission says water utility may be "in critical financial state"

WRIGHTSTOWN - The Wrightstown Village Board has a packed agenda for its meeting on Tuesday night, November 2, at 6 p.m. at the village hall.

Among the items:

• The 2022 village budget, with three scenarios for the property tax levy

• A plan for a new fire station on land four times larger than the current site

• A proposal for an outdoor recreational plan

• Possible approval of a village-wide pedestrian and bicycle plan

The board will also deal with an October 21 letter from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, with a dire warning: "Commission staff is concerned that the ongoing financial integrity of the Village of Wrightstown Water Utility may be in jeopardy."

The state says the utility has only enough cash to run for 69 days and has operated at a loss of $468,231 over the past two years.

The letter suggests a water rate increase be considered and is requiring the village to respond to the letter with 45 days.

It offers a suggestion of a simplified rate case for immediate relief, and "strongly" suggests a conventional rate case for a longer-term fix.

The village board convenes first at 6 p.m. as a Committee of the Whole, then proceeds into the village board meeting agenda.