PSC listens to water rate concerns at public hearing in Wittenberg

WITTENBERG — Five community members showed up Thursday for a public meeting held via teleconference regarding the increase in Wittenberg’s water rates. Village President Bill Switalla, board members Barb Buchholz and Renee Switalla, Village Clerk Traci Matsche and Sewer and Water Superintendent Joel Yaeger also attended the Public Service Commission hearing, which was held in the community room of the Wittenberg Community Center.

Since the village had gone more than two decades without filing a comprehensive rate case, the pending case calls for a 60% overall rate increase. Average residential customers currently paying $52.90 quarterly for 9,000 gallons of water would pay $84.54 for the same volume of water under the new rates.

The purpose of the hearing was to get on record any other concerns and answer any questions before submitting the information to Denise Schmidt, administrator of Division of Water Regulation and Analysis. Schmidt will base her decision on the applications filed and the comments from the hearing, as well as comments filed online before the hearing.

Tammy Williams, who lives in Birnamwood, owns two five-unit rentals in Wittenberg with her husband, Mike. She expressed concern about how the drastic rate increase would impact their livelihood.

She noted the cost of water, which is already more than $1,000 per quarter, would need to be passed on to her renters and might cause them to move out, resulting in a lack of income from the property.

“I have a mortgage to pay. If I lose the apartments, I have a lot of money invested here,” said Williams.

Local resident Ihor Antoniak wanted clarification on the process and was assured by the Public Service Commission that the increase was not yet set and that any comments or concerns would be submitted with the paperwork being submitted for Schmidt’s review.

After the meeting ended, Matsche explained that the final decision would be made by Schmidt in about two weeks. Matsche will post the decision on the village website.

The rate will go into effect for the last quarter of 2019 with payment due Jan. 5, 2020.

Matsche noted that many residents are taking advantage of the payment plan offered through the village. Residents can either choose to pay in advance toward their water and sewer bill or sign an agreement for scheduled payments that need to be paid in full before the next quarterly billing is due.
Residents can watch for updates at villageofwittenberg.com