Portage council approves phased sewer-rate increases to fund $55 million wastewater upgrade

The Portage Common Council voted to approve a series of sewer-rate increases intended to support financing for an estimated $55,000,000 upgrade of the city’s wastewater treatment facility.

The council approved a 40% rate increase effective July 1, 2025, followed by 30% increases on July 1, 2026, and July 1, 2027. The motion was made by Alderperson Mark Green and seconded by Alderperson Bernander; the roll call showed unanimous support (ayes recorded from Green, Paul, Wetzel, Bernander, Crowley, Bauer Frey and Feeney). The ordinance and rate schedule adopted by the council will be used to support permanent financing and to meet the state’s revenue-bond “additional bonds test.”

The increases are designed to position the city to use the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Clean Water Fund loan program, which the city’s financial advisor said offers the lowest-cost permanent financing option available. John (Ehlers financial advisor) told the council the Clean Water Fund currently provides a 30-year loan at about 2.595% and does not require…