Madison council unanimously approves 2026 sewer and stormwater utility rates

Madison council unanimously approves 2026 sewer and stormwater utility ratesThe Madison Common Council has officially set the 2026 rates for its sewer and stormwater utilities, passing the measure unanimously as part of a broader consent agenda that advanced several major water infrastructure projects.

The council unanimously approved the 2026 rates for the Sewer Utility and Stormwater Utility.

The rate measure required a 15-vote supermajority and was adopted without debate.

An additional $1.635 million in capital budget authority was approved for the Unit Well 12 Reconstruction project.

The council authorized bidding for the Badger Lane Lift Station Replacement and awarded contracts for storm box and pressure zone improvements.

The Madison Common Council unanimously approved the 2026 rates for the city's Sewer Utility and Stormwater Utility during its April 21 meeting. The rate-setting measure, which also established 2026 landfill rates, amended the municipal operating budget. Because the item involved budget amendments, it required a supermajority of at least 15 votes for adoption. It was passed unanimously as part of the council's consent agenda without debate. In addition to the utility rates, the council advanced several water and wastewater infrastructure items through the consent agenda. Notably, the council approved an amendment to the 2026 Water Utility Capital budget to include an additional $1.635 million in budget authority for the Unit Well 12 Reconstruction project. The public works contract for the Unit Well 12 Upgrade was subsequently awarded during the same meeting. Other water-related capital projects approved included authorization for the Board of Public Works to advertise and receive bids for the Badger Lane Lift Station Replacement. The council also awarded public works contracts for the Manitou Way Storm Box Replacement and the Pressure Zone 4 Interstate Crossing. Furthermore, the council amended municipal ordinances to allow longer installment payments on special assessments for customers of private water supply cooperatives.