The Wisconsin Public Service Commission will hold a public hearing on April 21 regarding proposed water rate increases for the McFarland Water Utility. The hearing is set for 2 p.m. and will be accessible in person at the McFarland Municipal Center, as well as online via Zoom and by telephone.
The proposed changes follow an October 23, 2025 decision by the McFarland Village Board to authorize the utility to apply for higher rates. The board cited growing infrastructure investments, rising operating costs, return deficiencies, and capital projects such as the construction of Well No. 5 as reasons for seeking approval from state regulators.
If approved, average residential customers with a standard meter using 8,000 gallons every two months would see their bills rise by $19.58 (25.57%) in phase one of the increase. A second phase would add another 13.63%, resulting in an overall bi-monthly increase of about $32.68.
The commission has reviewed expenses and established a revenue requirement designed to cover maintenance costs, taxes, debt payments—including those associated with Well No. 5—and provide a reasonable return used to manage debt obligations related to new infrastructure.
Public participation is encouraged through several options: submitting web comments via the commission’s website before April 23; making live comments during the hearing; or mailing written statements that arrive no later than April 23 addressed to Docket 3490-WR-108 Comments at the Public Service Commission’s Madison office.
The commission plans to livestream and record proceedings on YouTube so community members can observe without direct participation. More information about Well No. 5 and related rate changes is available through project FAQs or by contacting McFarland’s Public Works Department.
