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Utility staff report March revenue shortfall, $46.7M cash position and Silvernail Road groundwater challenges
Summary
Waukesha utility staff told commissioners March billing days were lower, year-to-date consumption is about 1.3% under budget, the utility ended March with roughly $46.7 million on hand and is coordinating on Silvernail Road construction that faces persistent groundwater and dewatering issues.
Courtney presented the utility’s March performance analysis and operations update at the April 17 meeting.
Courtney said March had about five fewer billing days than the same month last year and that most consumption categories are under budget; year-to-date consumption is about 1.3% under budget. Courtney identified changes among industrial accounts: one industrial customer used about 1.3 million fewer gallons in March compared with last year and another industrial site (described as Waukesha Engine/INEAL in the packet) is closing some buildings, which may depress industrial consumption further.
On expenses and cash flow, staff noted pumpage and purchased Milwaukee water volumes were up for the month, which affected the source line item. The statement of cash flows began the month at $46,900,000; staff reported approximately $72,000 received from WIFIA as a reimbursement and said the month closed at about $46,700,000. Staff also noted ongoing vacancies had depressed administrative spending; interest income was described as favorable.
Staff briefed commissioners on operational and project matters. The Silvernail Road realignment is encountering high groundwater and requires dewatering; county work to move the road and associated reconfiguration is requiring the utility to relocate water mains in wet/saturated soils. Staff said the county will cover portions of the relocation cost and that construction sequencing is complicated by the need to manage groundwater and maintain system reliability. The Gascoyne/Peters Drive project was approved earlier in the meeting and the Fox River Parkway project was expected to start the following week, staff said. A new utility building is out to bid with bids due May 6.
Staff also noted regulatory filings: the Public Service Commission conservation report was submitted April 1 and the Consumer Confidence Report work is underway. Staff reported a PSC procedural ruling in a consumer disconnection case that will return to circuit court.
Staff closed the informational segment by noting continued use of field technology (a main-break recording app) and internal work to finalize operating procedures for the pipeline O&M program; commissioners had no additional questions before adjournment.
