Wausau City Hall. MWC photo by Mike Leischner
Leaders in Wausau will get a formal presentation on a proposal to eliminate the $2 million payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) from the Wausau Water utility to the city.
The idea, which was a cornerstone of Mayor Doug Diny’s campaign, could mean a rate break for Wausau water customers though the full effects remain unclear at this time. Previous estimates have suggested it could allow the utility to lower rates by 10% or more.
However, Alders met the idea with some pushback earlier this summer when Mayor Diny requested instruction from the Council on the issue. Council President Lisa Rasmussen said she wanted more information before deciding on the matter, others said the Mayor doesn’t need council permission to put such an idea in his budget proposal.
Water rates in Wausau have more than doubled in the last few years due to the construction of new infrastructure and treatment for PFAS, found in all of the city’s drinking water wells.
Wednesday’s discussion is part of a joint presentation to the Water Works Commission and Finance Committee. An advance copy of the presentation from the city’s financial consultants was not included in the agenda packet as of Tuesday evening.
The meeting begins at 5:00 PM at City Hall and will be shown on both the city’s public access channels and YouTube.
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