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Brodhead council orders Water & Light to study a fire‑protection fee on utility bills
Summary
The council directed the Water & Light utility to complete a rate study by Dec. 31, 2025, to evaluate placing a public fire‑protection fee on customer bills, and asked the city attorney to draft a resolution to implement such a fee if supported by the study.
The Brodhead Common Council on July 15 directed the Water & Light utility to conduct a rate study to assess placing a public fire‑protection fee on utility bills, and asked the city attorney to prepare a resolution to implement the fee if needed.
Water & Light Director Hoff said a rate study would clarify cost impacts and suggested a residential increase in the range of $5 to $15 per month could result from different design options. Hoff also noted the last Water & Light study was about nine years ago. Alderperson Gritzmaker moved that Water & Light perform the study, to be completed by Dec. 31, 2025, fully funded by the utility; the motion passed unanimously.
Councilmembers discussed whether the fee should be placed on utility bills or remain a tax‑supported expense. Attorney Schroeder and Hoff discussed procedural steps: the council can require the study and the attorney will prepare a resolution to put the public fire‑protection fee on utility bills if council later adopts it.
The rate‑study requirement creates a timetable for staff and the utility to return with a proposed structure and estimated household impacts; the council did not adopt a final fee at this meeting.
