For Hub City Times

MARSHFIELD — Marshfield Utilities (MU) is seeking an increase in water rates to address the need for replacing aging water mains. The rate increase request has been filed with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW). The additional funds will eliminate the need for outside financing for main replacements and therefore save MU customers money over the life of this project.

For this 75-year main replacement project, MU anticipates saving $22 million in interest and other costs by not having to use outside financing. This plan has been approved by the Utility Commission and endorsed by the Marshfield Common Council.

The total increase in water revenues requested is $507,498, which will result in an estimated overall rate increase of 10 percent over the water utility’s present revenues. If the request is granted, the water bill for general service for an average residential customer who uses 400 cubic feet of water — approximately 3,000 gallons of water — per month will increase from $22.10 to $24.48.

The charge for public fire protection will continue to be collected through direct charges on the water bills using the property values method. The charge for public fire protection for a customer with the median household valuation of approximately $130,000 will increase from $8.41 to $8.86.

The PSCW has performed a cost of services study to determine the rate increase. MU customers will have a chance to address the PSCW during a rate case hearing scheduled for Dec. 21 at 10 a.m. at Marshfield Utilities, 2000 S. Central Ave. in Marshfield. Customers can also submit comments at the PSCW’s website, in writing, or by mail.