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Algoma council approves wastewater rate hike, CIP, bond note and traffic changes; several 2026 items adopted
Summary
The Algoma Common Council approved a 3% wastewater rate increase for 2026, adopted the 2026 fee schedule and five‑year capital plan, authorized a $617,693.58 sewer bond anticipation note, approved TID paving and traffic-pattern changes, and authorized staff to pursue a state innovation grant via an addendum to a services agreement with Kewaunee.
The Algoma Common Council on Nov. 3 approved a series of budgetary and procedural items, including a 3% wastewater rate increase, adoption of the 2026 fee schedule and capital improvement plan, authorization of a sewer bond anticipation note, and traffic‑pattern and TID pavement actions.
Staff summarized Ordinance 859 as “just a general 3% rate increase on wastewater rates.” After discussion, the council voted to waive the first reading and adopt the ordinance; roll call resulted in a 6–2 approval. Staff said the adjustment follows a rate study and will take effect for 2026 wastewater billing.
Council then approved spending up to $50,000 from TID 4 to finish paving and address stormwater work for the Bridal block (curb repair, radius returns and related alley work); staff estimated roughly $35,000 would remain in the TID after the expenditure.
The council adopted Resolution 1235 (2026 fee schedule), which includes minor police‑department fee changes such as a report‑redaction charge with a one‑hour minimum and moving certain media‑copy fees to actual cost. The five‑year capital improvement plan (Resolution 1236) was also adopted; staff noted added TID 5 infrastructure projects and that individual CIP projects will return to council for approval prior to expenditure.
The council authorized Resolution 1237 to issue a sewer revenue refunding bond anticipation note for $617,693.58 to refinance existing sewer debt; staff said the new interest rate would be higher than the previous loan and the note ends with a balloon payment that may require refinancing in five years.
Council approved an addendum to the intermunicipal services agreement with Kewaunee so Algoma can apply for a state innovation grant. Staff explained the formula used by the state — the award equals 25% of combined 2024 staffing costs for the two municipalities and gave an example award amount of $71,947 per year to be split 50/50 if awarded. The application deadline listed in materials is March 31, 2026.
Council also approved a traffic‑pattern change moving a stop sign from Felt (Feld) Street to Miller Street, added advance “Stop Ahead” signage and additional speed‑limit signs, and directed attention to sight‑line brush problems adjacent to the intersection. The traffic change passed by roll call 7–1.
Where votes were recorded by roll call, the council used member names to record yes/no responses; several motions carried unanimously or by comfortable majorities. Staff noted a pending claim has been sent to the city insurer and that there will be no general public water or electric rate increases for 2026.
