The Redgranite Village Board approved a three percent simplified water rate increase during their Sept. 19 monthly meeting. After communicating with the sewer and water committee on how to handle the water rate increase, utilities lead Glen McCarty recommended the board pursue the simplified rate increase of three percent. The impact on homeowners will cost less than a dollar per quarter on their water bills. This could lead to a raise in revenue estimated at $6,000 per year.
Village board trustee Laurie Oltesvig questioned the reasoning behind the increase and the effect it would have on residents. McCarty informed the board that the process of receiving a full rate case from the Wisconsin Public Service Commission will eventually need to be considered within the next year, as the Rate of Return for the water department has been negative for six years. The previous rate case was done prior to the new debt that occurred in 2019, causing the financial issues facing the department. During the previous rate case, a six percent increase was set by the PSC and a 36 percent increase to the prison.
McCarty communicated that this would help lessen the blow of a big increase during the full rate study. It will also allow time for the board to look into the fire protection expense being moved from the property tax bill to the water bill, while having PSC involved through that process. The rate increase would be set by the Wisconsin Public Service Commission, not the village.
The board also reviewed the job description that will be advertised for full time Deputy Clerk to train for the position of Clerk-Treasurer. Last month a retirement letter from the current Village Clerk, Christy Groskreutz, effective on Feb. 24, 2023 was approved by the board. The new clerk would take over the job duties on Feb. 25, 2023. The board approved the job posting that will be advertised in the Waushara Argus and other various state sites. The village hopes to begin training as soon as possible.
During the monthly report given by Public Works Lead Jim Frederick, an update on the park projects was provided. The bridge at Willow Creek Park has been refurbished, including new boards, stain, and painted handrails. Tom Sobieski of Sobieski Farms, Berlin, donated time and materials for the bridge, along with a generous donation of 66 tons of recycled blacktop for the park’s roadway. An additional picnic table was also placed on the park’s island. “If you haven’t been through Willow Park, you should take a drive through there to see the improvement,” said Frederick.
Four new swings will be installed at Veteran’s Park by next month. Two large planters were placed downtown, with one being donated by the Frederick family in honor of a family member. Frederick also reported that the new RAM 55 truck was fitted with the new plow and salter unit. The previous red truck was sold for $10,450. Money will be used to fix the village’s orange truck and any left-over funds will saved for equipment that is needed.
In other business, the board approved:
•The resignation of Ronald Pike as a part time public works employee effective Aug. 24. He will be kept on file if there is a possibility of him returning to work.
•The application of WIVR Redgranite LLC to change the street set back from 20 feet to 10 feet for lots 101, 105, 107, 111, 129, 131, 133, and 139 on Courtney Lane, parcel #176-00744-0310.
•The purchase of a server for Village Hall – Badgerland Computers - $7,850 plus installation of $720 using ARPA funds.
•Installation of ice guards on municipal building, not to exceed $4,000, using ARPA funds.
•Trick or treat hours for Sunday, Oct. 30 from 3-5 p.m.
•The emergency water repair at the mobile home park with Egbert Excavating, not to exceed $5,000.
•Brush pickup from Oct. 10-14, 2022 and leaf pickup from Oct. 24-Nov. 11, 2022.
•An original alcohol beverage retail license application for Quality Inn for a Class B Beer License.
•An operator’s license for Prakash Panchal (Quality Inn).
•The resignation of Sandy Grimm as Library Aide.
The next regular Redgranite Village Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 17 at 6:30 p.m.
