Council approves preliminary water-capacity assessment for Kirkland Crossing

The Muskego City Common Council on Jan. 27 approved a preliminary resolution declaring intent to levy an area-wide water capacity assessment (WCA) for the Kirkland Crossing area under Wisconsin Statute 66.0703. Council voted in favor after staff described the assessment process and outreach timeline.

Scott, a city staff member, told the council the WCA would bring the Kirkland Crossing area into the water utility so properties could be assessed if owners later request connections. "As soon as this gets passed, the letters go out next week, Wednesday," Scott said, describing a planned mailing to about 1,250 residents in the affected area. He said a public information meeting will be held in the fall and a public hearing will be scheduled for the council's second meeting in February.

Scott explained that properties are assessed only when water service is available and can be provided with adequate pressure. He clarified that a private well does not force a mandatory hookup except on a point-of-sale transfer: "The only time that you guys said they'll hook up is on a point of sale, one year from that point of sale," Scott said.

Alderman Decker asked about an engineering report item showing a $20,000 net deficit; Scott called the figure theoretical, based on the assumption that every parcel connects, and offered to walk through detailed lateral and meter cost estimates with council members and the city engineer.

The resolution passed on voice vote. The action is a preliminary step: staff said letters will be mailed to affected residents and a final resolution and public hearing will follow, giving property owners additional opportunities to ask questions and comment.

What happens next: Staff will mail notices and hold the public hearing in February; the council will consider a final resolution after the public process. The vote taken Jan. 27 authorized the city to begin the WCA process for WCA #20 (Kirkland Crossing).