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Bloomington board adopts 2026 budget, postpones decision on a potential 42% sewer rate increase
Summary
The board approved the 2026 budget and a 4% increase in library funding but postponed any decision on a projected $60,808 sewer utility shortfall—which would require a 42.35% rate increase to fully cover—until December while staff model options and impacts.
The Village of Bloomington Board approved the 2026 budget and set the levy payable in 2025–2026 at its Nov. 3 meeting, while delaying a decision on sewer rates after staff reported a substantial projected utility shortfall.
Village President Robert McLimans outlined the budget, noting the village is increasing library funding by 4% to $27,040 (total library income $50,952, including a larger county contribution). The board voted to approve the 2026 budget (motion Daentl; second Mergen).
McLimans told the board the sewer utility is projecting a net loss of $60,808 next year. He said covering that shortfall solely by rates would require a 42.35% increase. Clerk Shawna Atterbury explained that the sewer rate is set by the village (unlike water rates, which are PSC-regulated) and suggested focusing any adjustment on the usage fee rather than the base quarterly fee, which currently stands at $61.58 per quarter. The board asked staff to gather more precise impact data and postponed a final rate decision until the December meeting.
No changes to rates were adopted at the Nov. 3 meeting. The board also approved the village's WisVote cost-sharing agreement with Grant County for election printing and county election expenses (motion McLimans; second Moris).
