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What is Public Fire Protection on my utility bill

WATER & SEWER RATES

Water and sewer rates in the Village of Benton are set by different authorities and processes. Brief explanations of those differences are included below, along with a table of current water and sewer rates in the Village.

WATER

Water rates in the Village of Benton are set by the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) via the Water Utility's tariff — a document that outlines water rates and Utility operating rules. The Utility, which is registered with the PSC as the Benton Municipal Water Utility, is not permitted to operate outside the parameters set in this tariff, and all requested changes must be approved by the PSC.

The Utility's tariff was last updated in 2025, and current rates will be in effect  January 01, 2026. A copy of the most current tariff is available below or at the Village Office.

UPDATE

The Village of Benton submitted a request to the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) to raise water utility rates in 2026. This application was recommended by a recent financial study and is intended to ensure that the Village's water utility can cover both capital and operating costs.

The water bill for an average Residential customer with a 5⁄8-inch or 3⁄4-
inch meter who uses 400 cubic feet of water per month will increase from $32.35 to $56.82, or
75.64 percent, which includes the overall increase from the rate case and the Utility’s request to
switch from a municipal to direct PFP charges.

The PSC has final authority and determines the new rates.

Public Fire Protection fees are levied on Utility customers under its PSC tariff. These fees are intended to fund maintenance and operations so that the water supply system remains compliant with Wisconsin fire protection requirements.

Residents may download current tariffs for all Wisconsin water utilities from the PSC's website:
PSC - Utility Tariffs

SEWER

Sewer rates in the Village of Benton are not subject to PSC review and approval, and are instead set by the Village Board. The most recent sewer rate change was approved by the Village Board on September 17, 2025, and will take effect on January 1, 2026.

  • Base rate per month: $31.31

  • Volume charge: $6.72 per 100 Cubic Feet

PUBLIC FIRE PROTECTION FEE

Public Fire Protection Fee – What It Is & Why It’s on Your Water Bill

You may notice a Public Fire Protection (PFP) fee on your water bill. This fee is required by Wisconsin state law and regulated by the Public Service Commission (PSC). It helps cover the cost of maintaining the water system capacity needed for fire protection — things like hydrants and water storage — and is separate from fire department funding, which comes from property taxes and municipal services.

What This Fee Supports

  • Fire hydrants

  • Larger water mains

  • Increased pump capacity

  • Water tower/storage capacity

  • Other infrastructure needed to deliver large volumes of water for firefighting

Who Pays It?

All water utility customers — including tax-exempt properties such as schools and churches — contribute to this cost.

How It’s Collected

  • Municipalities may charge it directly on water bills

  • Or pay it from the general fund (tax revenue)

  • Some communities use a mix of both

Why It Matters

  • Ensures we maintain the infrastructure needed for fire protection

  • Helps fairly share the costs among all system users

  • Allows property tax dollars to support other important services