Former Stanley water operator in charge Don Goettl addressed the Stanley City Council during public comment at its Jan. 19 meeting, speaking ahead of the public hearing scheduled for Jan. 20 at 2 p.m. via Zoom regarding a proposed water rate increase filed by the Stanley Municipal Waterworks with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin.
Goettl began by commending council members who had questioned the water rate paid by Ace Ethanol at a previous meeting. “They are one of the biggest users in this town,” he said.
Raising concerns about fairness and who ultimately bears the financial burden of the system, Goettl argued that a large portion of Stanley residents are covering a disproportionate share of costs, stating that “50 to 60 percent of the people of Stanley are footing the bill.”
Addressing comments that had appeared in a previous week’s public comment section of the Stanley Republican, Goettl said, “And I know Mr. Kemmet wrote in the public comment in last week’s paper that they don’t need potable water. Well, that’s fine but the rest of us do. And you can’t tell me that they’re not real happy with the iron and manganese removed and the water softened for their equipment.”
Goettl then questioned whether the proposed upgrades to the water system would actually increase the city’s production capacity. “With the new upgrade at the center are we going to be able to produce more water?” Goettl asked, commenting on the proposed public fire rate increase.
“No,” responded Mayor Mike Henke.
“So how come they want to double this,” Goettl asked. He added, “I think there better be a bunch of people talking tomorrow.”
Expressing concern for residents who will struggle with higher water utility bill, Goettl said, “It’s not right. There’s a lot of people in this town that don’t have that kind of money.”
Alderperson Laurie Foster agreed with Goettl’s comments, noting the large amount of water used by the Ace Ethanol plant in Stanley.
Goettl concluded, saying, “If we’re not going to produce any more water, I don’t see how they can make that go up that substantial.”
The public hearing on the proposed rate increase was held Jan. 20 at 2 p.m. via Zoom and telephone and conducted by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin.