Some Rice Lake Residents to See Special Assessment for Utilities

The Rice Lake City Council held a public hearing on Tuesday, giving residents a chance to speak on special assessments for utility upgrades.

The city is planning to improve water and sanitary sewer mains on Ann and Lee Streets this summer. The work would also include upgrades to the curbs, gutters, sidewalks and driveway approaches on the streets.

Rice Lake Utilities, the city, and the residents in the area would split the total cost of the project. According to a Rice Lake Chornotype report, some of the residents are receiving preliminary assessments of over $10,000. At the public hearing on Tuesday, some expressed concerns that older homeowners in the area could be forced to sell their homes due to the additional costs.

Affected residents will have the option to put the special assessment on the property owner’s tax roll, spreading the cost out over 10 years. Choosing that option would tack on an additional 5.1% interest over that 10 year period.

In additition to the total cost of the special assessment, one local business owner also expressed concerns over needing to temporarily close due to water service shutdowns.

City Council officials say the water mains are over 50 years old and there have been a number of breaks in recent years. They also say the total cost of the special assessments could drop if competitve bids for the project come in lower than expected.

Rising utility costs have become a controversial topic in the state. Earlier this month, Xcel Energy filed an application for rate increases of 11.8 percent in 2026 and 7.2 percent in 2027. The company provides electricity across Western Wisconsin, and says the rate hikes are necessary for infrastructure improvements.