Monona plans water, sewer rate increases

By Audrey Posten, Times-Register

The Monona City Council, at its July 6 regular meeting, approved the first readings of ordinances that would increase city water and sewer rates. The increases will help cover the cost of PeopleService now handling all the community’s water and sewer services

Water rates for the first 1,000 gallons will increase from $18.63 to $23.59, and every additional 1,000 gallons will go from $4.99 to $6.32. Rates will also change for properties outside city limits that still utilize city water, with the first 1,000 gallons going to $37 and additional 1,000 gallons to $11.79. New customer deposits will increase to $200.

For the sewer, the base rate for the first 1,000 gallons will jump from $13.78 to $22.98, and every additional 1,000 gallons will go from $6.56 to $10.94. This is a bigger jump, but city administrator Barb Collins said it marks the first sewer rate increase since 2015.

The council will consider the second and third readings—and final approval—of the ordinances at its upcoming meeting. Collins said the new rates would take effect once the ordinances are published, which could be later this month.

Monona eligible for COVID recovery funds

Collins told the council the city of Monona is estimated to receive $200,000 through the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, established by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. She noted sewer and water infrastructure is on the list of uses the funding could be used for, which would be helpful for the city.

The council gave Collins the go-ahead to apply for, and then manage, eligible funds.