Resolved Updated

utility infrastructure financing

Funding and financing for maintaining and upgrading local water and power systems

What to Watch
Whether WPPI approved the 0% loan and whether the city sets up a long-term homeowner financing option for private-side sewer lateral work.
Coming Up

Typically discussed at Public Utilities Committee. Check back when the next agenda is published.

The Story

The Public Utilities Committee heard about a proposed 10-year, 0% WPPI loan for a water-utility transfer switch, substation cameras, and electric meters. In a separate discussion, staff said the state is exploring whether homeowners could get up to 20 years to pay for required private-side sewer lateral work instead of 90 days.

Key Decisions
  1. passed 9-0 City Council · Apr 6, 2026

    26-052 Resolution Authorizing Borrowing $496,676 from WPPI Energy at 0% Interest for Critical Utility Infrastructure Projects

    Motion to waive reading and approve the resolution (26-052) authorizing borrowing $496,676 from WPPI Energy at 0% interest for critical utility infrastructure projects

    Doug Brandt Yes
    Tim Petri Yes
    Bonnie Shimulunas Yes
    Scott Stechmesser Yes
    Adam Wachowski Yes
    Darla LeClair Yes
    Mark Bittner Yes
    Shannon Derby Yes
    Bill LeClair Yes
Record

  1. A Public Works Committee agenda included an item titled “Utility Economic Development Strategy” (Section 10A).

    Public Works Committee

  2. Committee discussed comparing special assessments to other street/infrastructure funding approaches; alternatives mentioned included a wheel tax and a transportation utility, and the discussion did not move forward because staff had not had time to evaluate options.

    Public Utilities Committee

  3. Staff said Contract 2-2026 (Lead Service Lateral Replacement) was out to bid, with bids opening Feb. 10.

    Public Utilities Committee

  4. Staff said the state is exploring whether the city can offer homeowners a long-term financing option for private-side sanitary lateral work, instead of requiring full payment within 90 days; staff said this could mean the city carries debt for up to 20 years and would need to show reductions in sewer inflow/infiltration, with measurement still unclear.

    Public Utilities Committee

  5. Staff outlined a proposed $494,000, 10-year, 0% WPPI loan for an emergency generator transfer switch for the Water Utility, security cameras at the electrical substation, and a second electric meter order.

    Public Utilities Committee

  6. Staff said the substation security cameras and the second electric meter order were on hold pending WPPI approval, expected to be considered at WPPI’s March 18 meeting.

    Public Utilities Committee

  7. A City Council agenda included Resolution 26-052 to authorize borrowing $496,676 from WPPI Energy at 0% interest for utility projects including electric meters, security upgrades, and generator repairs at the Water Filtration Plant.

    City Council
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