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Bloomington board approves two-phase sewer rate increase to address 2026 deficit
Summary
The Village of Bloomington board voted unanimously Dec. 1 to raise both the sewer base fee and usage rate by 22% in the first quarter and another 22% in the second quarter of 2026, a phased approach the clerk said will close a projected 2026 sewer fund shortfall.
The Village of Bloomington board voted unanimously Dec. 1 to raise sewer rates in two equal phases after the clerk said the sewer fund faces a shortfall that would require an estimated 43% increase to break even in 2026. The board approved raising both the base fee and the usage rate by 22% in the first quarter and another 22% in the second quarter of 2026.
Clerk/Treasurer Shawna Atterbury told the board the 43% figure reflects the projected deficit in the sewer fund for 2026 and that a phased approach would lessen the immediate burden on residents. "A 43% increase would be needed just to break even in 2026," Atterbury said as she reviewed the fund projections. Members agreed to split the change into two quarter-based adjustments.
The motion to adopt the two-phase increase was made by Dawn Drew and seconded by Al Mergen; Dennis Moris presided in the absence of Robert McLimans. The measure passed with all members present voting in favor.
Why it matters: The adjustment affects every household on village sewer service and is intended to stabilize sewer operations and fund necessary maintenance and compliance work. Clerk Atterbury framed the increase as a fiscal necessity based on current revenue and expense projections for the sewer utility.
Votes at a glance (other business): In the same meeting the board also approved several routine and project-related items including: the village accounts payable reports (total expenditures $78,615.81 for November 2025); setting caucus on Jan. 5, 2026; approval of a land use permit for 510 2nd Street and a $4,850 contract with John Klein for siding at the wastewater plant and salt shed; approval to allow the River Ridge Homecoming parade on Main Street; confirmation of election inspectors for the 2026–2027 term; and Christmas bonuses approved following a closed-session personnel discussion. All listed motions passed unanimously unless otherwise noted.
What comes next: The board directed staff to implement the phased rate schedule in 2026. The sewer fund and related capital needs — including recommended televising of the sanitary sewer and inspections tied to a planned WisDOT Highway 35 resurfacing project — are expected to return to the board for further action and bids in early 2026.
(Reporting based on the Village of Bloomington regular board meeting, Dec. 1, 2025.)
