Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Superior Community Coalition is a group of community members and local leaders working together to build a great future for our City. After successfully securing funding for lead line replacements — a major win for public health and affordability — we’re keeping that momentum going.

    Our current goal is to ensure voters and local leaders understand the significant risks tied to the City’s proposed takeover of one or more essential water, electric, and gas services. These decisions could have long-term consequences for the City’s finances and ability to provide services to our community. We believe residents deserve clear, factual information before any action is taken.

    Learn more about who we are.

  • The City has already spent $150,000 on a consultant to explore seizing the water, gas, and electric services in Superior. The study results are expected sometime in early 2026.

    If the City decides to pursue a takeover, the City Council would need to approve a public vote. Superior residents will then decide if the City should take up to 290 million dollars of debt to seize one or more of the essential utility services.

    We believe voters would reject this expensive and risky proposal, but even if they approve it, the process would still take years:

    • The City would attempt to negotiate a purchase price, which by law, must be fair market value

    • Any deal must be approved by the Wisconsin Public Service Commission

    • The negotiations usually end up in lengthy court proceedings, which can cost millions in legal fees

  • It could be. The City Council would need to vote to authorize a public referendum. If approved, the question could appear on a ballot in November 2026, or another time chosen by the City Council. Voters will ultimately decide whether the city should borrow hundreds of millions of dollars to acquire one or more essential utility services.

  • An expert study determined that the City of Superior would need to pay as much as 290 million dollars to acquire the local water, gas, and electric services. This kind of decision could have long-term consequences for the city’s finances and ability to provide services to our community. We believe residents deserve to know the risks of a government-run utility before any action is taken.

    Learn more about the true cost of a government takeover at our Cost Page.

  • Utilities are complex, high-value systems that include infrastructure, equipment, and operations. Fair market value reflects the full worth of these assets — not just pipes and wires, but the entire business needed to keep services running. That’s why the price tag is so high.

  • Stay informed
    Follow updates on our website and social media.

    Share the facts
    Talk to friends and neighbors about what’s at stake.

    Get involved
    Sign up here to join the coalition and join our efforts.

    Your voice matters — together, we can protect Superior’s future.

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