Kenosha approves phased 2026–2030 stormwater rate plan to fund larger projects

The Kenosha Stormwater Utility Commission approved a five‑year, phased rate plan to increase stormwater utility revenues and help fund larger flood-control projects planned in later CIP years.

Mayor Morrissey and city staff said the utility has not had a rate increase in over six years and presented a plan that combines a one‑time increase to the base monthly charge and annual increases to the per‑EHU charge. Staff stated the 2025 base rate was $1.19 per month and the per‑EHU charge was $6.63 per month. The plan before the commission included a 20¢ one‑time base‑rate increase in 2026 (to $1.39 per month) and an annual increase of $1.08 to the EHU charge in subsequent years; staff described the EHU (Equivalent Hydraulic Unit) as a metric representing impervious area and said a typical household equates to one EHU.

The nut of staff’s explanation was that the combination of a modest base‑rate change and predictable per‑EHU increases would build funding capacity without applying a single large increase and would allow the city to undertake the larger projects identified in the CIP. Staff said commercial and larger properties can be assigned multiple EHUs based on impervious surface; the packet described residential EHUs ranging approximately from 0.78 to 2.48 depending on lot size.

Alderpersons asked for a peer comparison of stormwater rates in similarly sized Wisconsin cities; staff agreed to research and provide that comparative data. After discussion a motion to approve the rate plan was made, seconded and approved by recorded 'aye' votes.

The commission’s approval sends the rate schedule forward as the utility’s planning assumption for operating and capital revenue. Staff said they will return with any supplemental materials requested by Finance and will continue to pursue grant opportunities to offset capital costs where feasible.