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Finance
Renewable energy initiatives and opportunities are growing throughout the Midwest. Various types of organizations, both private and municipal, are evaluating open agricultural lands, under-utilized brownfields, closed landfills, and other open space for the potential installation of ground-mounted solar generation and battery storage projects. However, these initiatives like other projects, often come up against funding hiccups.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury recently released updated guidance on the use of American Rescue Plan Act Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. The Interim Final Rule offers an expanded interpretation regarding the types of sewer, water, and broadband infrastructure projects that qualify for funding. Find out if your next infrastructure project is eligible for Local Fiscal Recovery Funding.
If your utility is planning capital projects or seeing an increase in operation and maintenance expenses, you may need to file a rate case with the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC). This process can be slow and labor intensive, which is why we’ve come up with a list of best practices to keep things running smoothly and help you avoid common missteps that lead to long rate case delays.
The American Rescue Plan Act will provide historic, direct federal payments to all 19,000 municipal governments in the United States. For some municipalities, this relief will offer a once-in-a-generation opportunity for community betterment. To help you consider your options and get a head start on necessary preparation, our experts developed a list of 25 water and sewer related infrastructure improvement projects that may be eligible for ARPA relief funding.
An increasing number of Wisconsin municipalities are considering a new source of funding for their transportation systems: transportation utilities. Our experts put together this list of FAQ’s to help you better understand the buzz surrounding this new utility and decide if it’s the right fit for your community.
The Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) regulates water utilities, and before a utility can raise its rates, it must file for a rate increase with the PSC. This process can be slow and labor intensive, so we’re sharing 8 best practices to make your life a little easier.
The final stretch of the year is a busy time for municipal utilities, and while we hate to add to your long to-do list, there’s one thing you don’t want to ignore: preparing your Public Service Commission (PSC) Annual Report.
As sanitary sewer main ages, the potential for groundwater infiltration from tree roots, failing joints, and other forces greatly increases. Replacing aging sanitary sewer main ultimately allows utilities to avoid the cost creep from infiltration year after year, but the upfront expense for a main replacement is often significant. How can your utility determine the best financial strategy for mitigating infiltration?
With strict tax levy limits and declining state aid, Wisconsin communities find themselves between a rock and a hard place when it comes to funding roads projects. Fortunately, there may be a new way to secure funding for your community’s streets: transportation utilities.
During these uncertain times, water utilities may find themselves struggling to secure necessary resources. Fortunately, the PSC gives municipal utilities a simple and convenient option to increase rates by filing a Simplified Rate Case. Read more to find out if you water utility qualifies and how to apply for this program.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) has included over $60 million in principal forgiveness for lead service line (LSL) replacement programs in its proposed plan for Safe Drinking Water Loan Program (SDWLP) funds. Learn more about the program requirements and how to apply in our latest finance update.
Sales forecasting offers many benefits for municipalities, from better infrastructure planning to cash flow management, but not all forecasts are created equal. Here are our best tips for making the most out of your sales forecast.
Sales forecasting is an incredibly valuable practice that can help your utility effectively plan for your community’s future needs. Learn the benefits of forecasting along with a few of our best tips to help your team lay the groundwork for success for years to come.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has announced a new $75 million Multimodal Local Supplement (MLS) grant. Learn how this one-time, reimbursement grant opportunity can help your community cover up to 90% of your transportation project costs.
Municipalities may soon be allowed to create storm water utilities without storm water fees counting against their tax levy limits. Pending legislation would declassify storm water management as a covered service, meaning that any new or increased storm water fees would no longer require an offsetting levy deduction. Municipalities that would like to take advantage of the change should prepare themselves to create storm water utilities as soon as possible.
Municipalities are constantly looking for ways to fund improvements in local infrastructure. Wheel taxes have been around for more than 50 years, but not many Wisconsin municipalities currently take advantage of them. Could a wheel tax be the right funding option for your community?
The EPA estimates that the US will spend $655 billion to meet our water needs in the next twenty years. More than ever, gaining public buy-in for infrastructure projects is a major concern of water-utility managers. How can your water utility secure your community’s support to properly fund necessary infrastructure projects? Keep reading to learn more.
The EPA estimates that the US will spend $655 billion to meet our water needs in the next twenty years. More than ever, gaining public buy-in for infrastructure projects is a major concern of water-utility managers. How can your water utility secure your community’s support to properly fund necessary infrastructure projects? Keep reading to learn more.
While improving your utility’s finances through water conservation may seem daunting, in truth it can be as simple as taking proper care of your distribution system. Investing in the inspection, maintenance, and repair of your system can yield great net cost savings, all without reducing sales. Read more to learn how.
Although Wisconsin banned lead in drinking water pipes in 1984, the US Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 176,000 Wisconsin homes receive water through lead pipes. Wisconsin water utilities can now use water rate revenue to replace the customer-owned portion of a lead service line. Allowing utility funding to contribute to these upgrades will improve public health, increase public acceptance of rate increases, and improve compliance with lead limits for drinking water. Continue reading to learn more.
