Madison approves $10.3M in water utility bonds, confirms new General Manager
City of Madison - Water Utility Board, Wisconsin · Meeting date: August 4, 2026 · Published: August 5, 2026
The Madison Common Council has greenlit a $10.37 million bond issuance for water capital projects and confirmed Christine Knapp to lead the city's water utility for the next five years.
Key points
- The council authorized up to $10,369,862 in Subordinate Water Utility Revenue Bonds for the 2026 capital budget.
- Christine Knapp was confirmed for a five-year term as the new Water Utility General Manager.
- Strand Associates, Inc. was awarded a noncompetitive contract for engineering services for the Reservoirs 126 and 225 Recoating and Maintenance project.
Full report
During its August 4, 2026, meeting, the Madison Common Council unanimously approved a slate of water utility measures as part of its consent agenda, including significant financing for capital improvements and a key leadership appointment.
The council authorized the sale and issuance of up to $10,369,862 in Subordinate Water Utility Revenue Bonds, Series 2026. The borrowing, which is tied to the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program (SDWLP), will prompt an amendment to the utility's 2026 capital budget to fund ongoing infrastructure upgrades. To support this financing, the council also approved a resolution declaring official intent to reimburse expenditures from the proceeds of the borrowing.
In leadership changes, Christine Knapp was confirmed for a five-year term as the new Water Utility General Manager, following her appointment by the mayor.
The council also advanced specific infrastructure and maintenance initiatives, including a noncompetitive contract awarded to Strand Associates, Inc. The firm will provide professional engineering services for the recoating and maintenance of Reservoirs 126 and 225.
All water-related items were passed without debate as part of the consent agenda, as the bulk of the meeting's discussion was dedicated to public comment and debate regarding police oversight and the Office of the Independent Monitor.
This summary was generated by AI based on the source document and may contain errors.
Source: COMMON COUNCIL, City of Madison - Water Utility Board