Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Racine public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
8 issues in water utilities
2027 Sewer and Water Rates
Sewer rates stay flat for Racine residents but jump 12.5% for Caledonia and Mount Pleasant customers, and household hazardous waste fees rise $1 to $4 a year.
City Sump Pump Program
A new committee — with realtors, plumbers, city staff, a council member, and a citizen — gets six months to find a better way to cut clearwater flows, with its recommendations coming back for a Council vote.
Sewer ordinance amendments
Sewer ordinance changes recommended by the Wastewater Commission were adopted by the council.
Citywide CCTV sewer televising bids
Bid results for the 2026 citywide CCTV televising contract were received and filed — this work inspects the city's sewer pipes with cameras.
Lead service lateral replacement outreach funding
An extra $178,571 from the Wisconsin DNR will fund outreach and education about replacing lead water service lines, on top of the original $150,000 grant. This helps residents understand risks and programs connected to getting lead pipes out of the ground.
Water and sewer loan applications
The city is seeking tens of millions in low-interest state loans: $30 million for about 3,000 lead service line replacements, $17 million for water main replacements, $50 million for the Main and Goold interceptor and $10 million for Lift Station #1.
Tyler Technologies ERP and Utility Billing Upgrade
The city considered a roughly $450,000 agreement with Tyler Technologies to upgrade its financial software, including a utility billing module for water, wastewater, and stormwater customers.
Focus on Energy wastewater staffing grant
The wastewater utility gets $80,000 over two years to help fund an energy-efficiency staff position, with local utilities covering the rest.