Florence Utilities reports completed sewer project, compliance work and preliminary 2024 finances

Roger Secrist, Florence Utilities Manager, told the annual meeting the utility completed the Central Avenue sewer main replacement ahead of the Wisconsin DOT’s June 28 deadline and qualified for 65% loan forgiveness; the remaining 35% will be financed at 0% interest for 30 years. Secrist said the utility’s 2024 workload included required compliance actions under the Wisconsin DNR, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) and PHMSA.

Secrist highlighted community programs: the utility’s third annual community food drive raised $1,095 and collected 240 pounds of food and toiletries; the utility partnered with WPPI Energy to present an electric‑safety program for elementary students and sponsored a scholarship for a graduating senior; and furnace‑filter giveaways were held in spring and fall.

Kristina Williams, Utility Finance Director, presented preliminary 2024 income figures: total revenue and other income $4,537,865; total operating expense and deductions $4,183,164; and total net income $354,701. Williams noted these were preliminary numbers and the 2024 audit by Baker Tilly’s Energy & Utilities division was not complete at the time of the meeting.

Operational highlights reported by staff included converting failing overhead electric lines to underground in locations including Balsam Drive and Highway 101/70, installing 17 new electric services, performing 40 electrical outage responses, replacing 139 water meters as part of an AMI upgrade and responding to 79 gas leak investigations. Secrist said staff performed PSC pipeline safety inspections and other mandated testing during the year.