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Waukesha council approves 15‑year, 2% financing for Silvernail Road sewer despite resident opposition
Summary
After weeks of resident opposition at public comment, the City Council approved a final resolution to install sanitary sewer on Silvernail Road and assess adjacent property owners $17,711.67, offering 15‑year financing at 2% interest and the option to pay in full earlier; vote was 11‑0.
The Waukesha Common Council approved a final resolution to install sanitary sewer along Silvernail Road and assess adjacent property owners $17,711.67, with financing available over 15 years at 2% interest.
The council’s action on the resolution followed more than an hour of public comment from residents who objected to the project and the cost. “This is gonna be huge on our property tax bill,” said Christine Garlock, who lives at 3017 Silvernail Road and said 11 adjacent property owners oppose the sewer. Residents repeatedly argued they do not need sewer because they are served by private wells and septic systems and described the assessment as unaffordable for many on fixed incomes.
Public Works staff and the Board of Public Works had moved the financing terms to a longer, lower‑rate option after earlier public hearings. Alex from Public Works told the council the board recommended keeping the per‑parcel assessment amount while extending terms, explaining the change was made in response to resident concerns and to avoid higher future costs if individual septic systems fail: “We were able to reduce the financing terms from 10 years at 5% to 15 years at 2%.”
Alderperson Wilson moved to approve the resolution as presented and Alderperson Piper seconded. Council members debated the timing and fairness of assessments; several members noted the project is included on the city’s five‑year capital plan and that delaying sewer installation could increase costs if the pavement is later torn up for utilities. After discussion, the council voted 11‑0 to approve the resolution authorizing the assessment and financing terms.
The resolution does not force immediate hookups; property owners may defer physical connection after installation and have the option to pay the assessment in equal installments over the 15‑year term at 2% interest or pay the assessment in full within the time allowed to avoid interest charges. City staff said they will continue to work with property owners and We Energies concerning coordination and potential additional options to reduce up‑front utility costs.
Next steps: staff will record the resolution and move forward with the construction schedule. Property owners who want to discuss payment options were urged to contact the Public Works department.
