PSC approves 21% water rate increase for Wheeler

By LeAnn R. Ralph

WHEELER — The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin has approved a water rate increase of 21 percent for the Village of Wheeler.

The new water rate increase will show up on the September water bills, said Robin Goodell, clerk-treasurer, at the Wheeler Village Board’s June 11 meeting.

The increase actually goes into effect July 1; the current water bills cover April, May and June, she said.

The PSC held a public hearing on the proposed rate increase by telephone on May 23 at the Wheeler village hall.

The increase will result in additional annual revenues for the village’s water utility of $14,823.

Based on projected revenues and expenses, the water utility will be operating at a deficit of about $2,000 this year.

Wheeler has 115 residential water meters and 14 commercial water meters.

Using the current water rates, the projected operating and maintenance expenses for 2013 are $74,570, while the projected revenue is $72,419.

Other business

In other business, the Wheeler Village Board:

• Approved beer, liquor, cigarette, operators’ licenses and annual dance permits for Last Call, Fifty Yard Line Bar, and the Wheeler Inn.

• Approved a Class A beer license and Class A liquor license, operators’ licenses, and cigarette licenses for Bridge Stop II LLC.

• Learned that the second annual Wheeler community celebration will be held July 20.