Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Altoona public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
4 issues in water utilities with high priority
Sewer contract with Eau Claire
Administrator Golat plans to restart talks with Eau Claire's new city manager on shared fire services and the long-running sewer agreement, and flagged the state's innovation grant program as a funding path.
2027 Water Utility Budget
Stormwater rates were recently reset with a five-year schedule to rebuild reserves; 2027 includes borrowing, $279,000 in reserves applied, and a new off-road tractor and dump truck shared across funds.
Well 10 and Water Capacity
With the city's largest well offline, capacity dips below DNR comfort levels. Well 10, estimated at about $1.6 million, will fix that and is expected online in late 2027.
Stormwater rate increase and rate structure overhaul
Stormwater fees haven't changed since 2007 and the utility is eating through its reserves. The new rates charge based on actual impervious surface, aiming for fairness, and folding curb-and-gutter into the utility trims special assessments by about 10%.