Onalaska staff will reapply for simplified water rate case after current PSC docket closes

City staff informed the Onalaska board Dec. 2 that an application to the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) for a simplified rate case for the city’s water utility must be refiled after a current PSC proceeding is completed.

Staff said the city submitted a simplified rate-case application in October but that because a prior application to add a fire-protection charge remains pending, PSC staff requested the simplified filing be reissued once the existing docket is finalized. Staff reported the current docket is likely to be completed in January, at which point the city can reapply; staff also noted a previously approved 3% rate increase tied to the utility would remain the same when refiled.

Board members said they did not require another full committee approval but asked staff to notify the council and committee when the reapplication occurs and to ensure public notice is provided as part of the PSC process. Staff confirmed they will reapply in January and circulate updates and public-notice information when the refiled application is posted to the PSC docket.