The Village Utility Commission approved the 2026 sewer utility budget, including a recommended rate adjustment of approximately 4 percent for next year. Staff explained that the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) provided a fall-back range of charges this year rather than a single number; staff used that range to estimate a likely MMSD service charge of about $1,250,000, roughly 10 percent higher than 2025.

Budget materials show capital planning and annual equipment purchases align with the water side; engineering costs for projects listed in the capital facilities plan (FMP) were included as 2026 expenditures where design work is expected. Staff explained an earlier long-range cash-flow analysis recommended a 5 percent rate increase, but department-level line-item adjustments and refinement of the MMSD estimate allowed the staff to recommend a 4 percent increase instead. The staff presentation emphasized keeping near-term increases moderate to avoid much larger adjustments in 2027.

Commissioners moved and seconded approval of the sewer utility budget and the rate adjustment; the commission approved the motion by voice vote. Staff noted the MMSD estimate and other capital items will continue to be refined and reported to the commission.

Why it matters: MMSD charges are a major operating expense for the village sewer utility; changes to those charges and capital needs drive rate recommendations that affect residential and commercial customers.

Staff continues planning engineering work for Main Street and Ollie Street projects that will include sanitary rehabilitation and upsizing in targeted areas as part of multi-year capital planning.