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Bloomington adopts 2026 budget and library increase; sewer utility projects large deficit, rate decision deferred
Summary
The board approved the 2026 budget and levy, increasing library support by 4%. Separately, the sewer utility projects a $60,808 net loss next year — a 42.35% rate increase would be needed to cover it — and the board postponed any rate decision until December to gather more precise impact data.
The Village of Bloomington board unanimously approved the 2026 budget and set the levy payable in 2025–2026, including a 4% increase in library funding from $26,000 to $27,040. Grant County raised its contribution to $23,412.10, bringing total library income to $50,952; the board said part of the library wage line provides staffing for proposed Thursday morning hours.
Village President Robert McLimans presented the budget and noted the sewer utility is projecting a net loss of $60,808 in the coming year. He said covering that shortfall solely through rates would require a 42.35% increase; the village implemented earlier increases this year (15% in the first quarter and 15% in the second quarter following a prior 10% increase). Clerk/Treasurer Shawna Atterbury explained that unlike water rates, sewer rates are not regulated by the Public Service Commission and can be set by the village.
Board members discussed whether to raise the base quarterly fee (currently $61.58) or increase usage charges. Clerk/Treasurer Atterbury recommended focusing increases on usage fees rather than the base rate. The board deferred a final decision until its December meeting to obtain more precise data on the impact of a 42.35% increase and how any increase could be structured.
The meeting also included approval of the standard WisVote cost-sharing agreement with the county for election printing and an agreement for a $10,000 loan from Clare Bank to purchase a John Deere zero-turn mower.
