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Northshore Water Commission proposes 9% operating increase; Whitefish Bay customers face ~1% rise
Summary
Tom, interim plant manager for the Northshore Water Commission, presented a $1.785 million operating budget for 2026 (about +9%), noting Whitefish Bay's share of usage declined to about 31.93%, translating to an estimated 1% increase on customer water bills.
Whitefish Bay — The Northshore Water Commission presented its 2026 operating and capital plans to the village board on Oct. 20, reporting a proposed operating budget of $1.785 million (approximately a 9% increase) and a capital program that includes Basin Five improvements.
Tom, the commission's interim plant manager, explained that operating allocations to member communities are based on water usage. For the first nine months of the current year Whitefish Bay's share fell to 31.93% from roughly 34.5% a year earlier, which staff said will translate to about a 1% increase for Whitefish Bay customers on the operating side.
Capital needs include Basin Five improvements and a failing roof on the main filter wing; the commission estimated the capital commitment for Whitefish Bay at about $631,000 for 2026 (portion based on a multi-year flow average). Tom noted the commission conducts a year-end true-up so communities ultimately pay based on actual water purchases.
Tom said some operating increases reflect higher chemical and service costs and that the commission is leaning on outside firms for IT and SCADA support after previous staff departures who had managed specialized systems.
No board action was required; staff thanked the commission and moved on to the next agenda item.
