Cadott Village Board; Sewer rate to come for a vote at the next meeting
By Julia Wolf
The Cadott Village Board members discussed what to do with the sewer rate, April 19, after hearing from an auditor at a previous meeting.
Sandy Buetow, clerk, provided the rates of surrounding communities to the board, for comparison.
Board members considered increasing the base rate and leaving the usage rate as is, for now. Buetow says the base rate hits all customers evenly.
“Well, we can’t keep operating in the red,” said board president Anson Albarado.
Russ Falkenberg, board member, questioned how fair it is to raise everybody’s rates. He says the idea behind a base rate is to cover the cost of getting the service there, as opposed to the amount of water used by the customer.
“I’m not saying it’s not fair, I’m just raising the question,” said Falkenberg.
Buetow says raising the base rate creates a guaranteed amount of revenue they will generate, whereas the usage fluctuates.
“Why do we stick to one base rate for such a long period of time, when every year, expenses go up?” asked Terry Licht, board member, about why they don’t take up the issue on a yearly basis, since they have continually had the problem for a number of years.
Buetow says they used to look at the rates increases every two years, up until 2016.
Licht also asked if raising the base rate would generate enough revenue to cover the sewage costs.
“Is it going to take care of expenses that we have?” asked Licht.
Buetow says, after her talks with the auditor, the increase should cover the costs.
“The infrastructure costs you money, no matter how you look at it,” said Licht.
The sewer rate increase will be on the next agenda, so board members have more time to look at the information and listen to any public concerns.
During reports, Falkenberg reported he researched cell phones on behalf of the Police Committee. He says the company will do call forwarding, so calls to the Cadott Police Department line can be forwarded to a cell phone, for the officer on duty to answer if they are able. Falkenberg says he will have pricing for that in the coming days.
“The chief’s willing to try it,” said Falkenberg.
If the officer on duty is unable to answer the forwarded call, the call will be forwarded to the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Department.
Falkenberg also reported there are two options for GPS units, for officer safety.
Albarado explained the old software system used in the squad cars included GPS. The current software used does not have that.
Falkenberg says he has talked to the sheriff’s department, and they are in favor of having Cadott officers on the grid.
Members also approved a proclamation that names May 2-8, Professional Municipal Clerks Week. Members thanked Buetow and deputy clerk Janice Christie.
A fireworks permit was also approved for Whispering Pines Golf Course, for Friday, May 28, provided the insurance is in order and everything else is in order. Crestwood Corners Fireworks will handle the display, as they have the licensing.
As a reminder to the public, Advanced Disposal/Waste Management has a contract with the village, so the village does want residents to use that company.
“They’re still going to get the charge on their electric bill for drive-by fee,” said Buetow. “And then, they are supposed to contract with the company for the carts and stuff.”
