La Crosse approves lower rates for unmetered Shelby sewer district as estimated consumption drops

La Crosse approves lower rates for unmetered Shelby sewer district as estimated consumption dropsThe Board of Public Works signed off on the 2025-2026 rates for Sanitary Sewer District 1, an unmetered service area in the Town of Shelby governed by a legacy 1950s agreement.

The district comprises approximately 300 parcels in the Town of Shelby that share equally in operation and maintenance charges.

Costs for the upcoming cycle decreased slightly due to a drop in the winter quarter average used to estimate unmetered flows.

Estimated consumption fell by 1 CCF (748 gallons) per quarter.

The City of La Crosse maintains the sewer mains within the town under a unique agreement dating back to the 1950s.

The La Crosse Board of Public Works unanimously approved the rates for Sanitary Sewer District 1 for the period of July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, during its August 3, 2026, meeting. The district, which serves approximately 300 parcels located in the neighboring Town of Shelby, will see a slight decrease in costs for the upcoming cycle. According to city staff, the cost reduction is primarily driven by a decline in estimated residential water usage. Because the Shelby district lacks wastewater meters, La Crosse utilizes the winter quarter average of its own residential customers as a proxy for the district's consumption. Staff reported that this average recently decreased by one hundred cubic feet (CCF), or approximately 748 gallons per quarter. Staff noted that the arrangement is governed by a unique agreement dating back to the 1950s, which differs significantly from the city's modern sanitary agreements with other jurisdictions. Under the legacy framework, each parcel in the district shares equally in the operation and maintenance charges. Additionally, the La Crosse sanitary sewer utility is directly responsible for maintaining the sewer mains located within the Town of Shelby. While staff indicated that the city has periodically explored ways to modernize the unmetered system, the 1950s methodology remains in place. The rate approval, moved by Director Gallagher and seconded by Council President Dickinson, passed without opposition.