The True Cost of a Government-Run Utility
Mayor Paine and several members of the Superior City Council are considering a plan to take over some or all the essential services we depend on every day — water, gas, and electricity.
A comprehensive study of this proposed takeover found that it would cost the City 290 million dollars to seize and operate these services.
Why is this number so high?
If the City moves forward, it would be required to pay fair market value for the utilities. This isn’t optional — it’s a legal requirement of this kind of takeover. Acquiring these assets would take a significant financial commitment that would need to be approved by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin.
What would this mean for residents?
To fund the takeover, the City would likely need to take on substantial debt. This kind of borrowing could have long-term implications for taxpayers and city budgets and put both a city-run utility and other essential city services at risk.
Would this impact my services?
Running water, gas, and electric services is complex and costly. Transitioning to a brand new, government-run utility introduces challenges that could affect the quality of service and the cost of these services for Superior residents for decades.