Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution adopts the 2026 rates for the Sewer Utility, Stormwater Utility and Landfill, and authorizes a budget amendment to reflect these new rates which go into effect on bills generated after May 1, 2026.
For the average residential customer of the Sewer Utility, the rate increase is projected at approximately 2.7%, which would result in an annual increase in charges of about $12.66 or $1.06 per month.
Average residential customers of the Stormwater Utility can anticipate a rate increase of about 2.3%, which represents $3.48 more annually or $0.29 per month.
There is no change for Landfill fees.
Overall, the average residential customer’s annual bill is projected to increase about 2.6% which is about $16.14 annually or $1.35 per month.
2026 Utility Bill Annual Charges Monthly Charges
Sewer Utility $480.24 $40.02
Stormwater Utility $156.00 $13.00
Landfill $6.00 $0.50
Total $642.24 $53.52
Revenues and expenses that are predominantly consistent with these charges have been built into the 2026 Adopted Operating Budgets of the Sewer Utility and the Stormwater Utility, although some levy-neutral budget adjustments will need to be made per the attached 2026 Rates Budget Amendment file. No additional appropriation is required.
Title
Amending the 2026 Operating Budget and Setting the 2026 Rates for the Sewer Utility, Landfill and Stormwater Utility (Citywide)
Body
WHEREAS, the Sewer Utility, Landfill and the Stormwater Utility are entirely self-sufficient and therefore require no
property tax levy support; and
WHEREAS, consistent Madison General Ordinances Secs. 35.02(7)(a), 35.025(4), and 37.05(4)(f), and the standards set forth in Wis. Stat. § 66.0821(4), the City Engineer sets utility rates each year, which rates go into effect upon approval by the Board of Public Works and the Common Council; and
WHEREAS, now that the 2026 City Operating Budget has been adopted, the Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District rates for 2026 have been set and the preliminary operating results of 2025 are known, it is now possible for the associated rates to be formally adopted for 2026; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the 2026 Rate Schedules for the Sewer Utility, Landfill and the Stormwater Utility are hereby adopted; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the 2026 Operating Budgets of the Sewer Utility and Stormwater Utility shall be amended to reflect these new rates; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the new rates shall go into effect on bills generated after May 1, 2026.