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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is the City of Two Rivers talking about sewer rates now?
A: The Sewer Utility is facing a projected shortfall of about $283,000 over the next two years. Rising costs for projects like the Harbor/Emmett Street improvements, sanitary lateral replacements, higher operating expenses, and State loan coverage requirements all play a role.
Q: Aren’t sewer services paid by property taxes?
A: No. The Sewer Utility is separate from the City’s property tax-supported General Fund. Sewer services are fully funded by user fees.
Q: Haven’t rates gone up already?
A: Sewer rates have only seen modest increases over the past decade. With today’s inflation, utility revenues haven’t kept pace with actual costs of operating and maintaining the system.
Q: What changes are being considered?
A: The City is looking at rate adjustments in 2026 as well as a new billing method so all customers—residential, commercial, and industrial—share the costs more equitably than previous rate structures.
Q: How will this affect the average homeowner?
A: For most households in Two Rivers, the monthly bill would rise slightly, from about $46.85 today to between $48 and $52 in 2026, depending on water use.
Q: Why is this important?
A: These changes will keep the sewer system financially sustainable, protect access to critical State funding, and allow Two Rivers to continue investing in safe, reliable sewer and wastewater infrastructure for our neighborhoods.
Myth vs. Fact
• -Myth: Sewer services are paid for with property taxes.
---Fact: Sewer services are funded entirely by user fees—not tax dollars.
• -Myth: A small increase now means the City is overspending.
---Fact: Modest increases help keep up with inflation and rising project costs, ensuring
---long-term sustainability
• -Myth: Businesses don’t pay their fair share.
---Fact: The City is updating billing methods so all customers—residential, commercial, and
---industrial—contribute fairly.
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