Why is it that at the bottom of too many discussions about rate increases or tax increases we find a series of initials? It apparently isn't enough that we are forced to deal with the MATC. We also are saddled with the MMSD.
The Metropolitan Milwaukee Sewerage District (MMSD) hit our village and other taxing entities with a significant increase in capital expense contributions that it requires from its 'customers'. Its 'customers', of course have no other options. So like other communities, Germantown has had to 'pony up'. We've been depleting the sewer fund reserves to the tune of nearly $1 million each year over the past three years, and our reserves are going down as the result. The idea of a reserve is that there will be adequate funds available in reserve if needed due to some unforeseen situation.
The long and short is that we'll likely face an increase in sewer charges due to these charges laid on us by MMSD.
MMSD, like MATC, is governed by an appointed board. These eleven people include village/city officials, elected representatives, and others whose names seem to always be involved in such appointed positions. You and I do not have any representation on the MMSD board over which we exercise even indirect control. The citizens of Germantown should, by now, be resigned to our fate...except there has to be a better way.
I challenge one or more of the current crop of candidates for state positions to pledge their best efforts to change this system. Every appointed board in the state should be subjected to thorough review to determine if direct elections are a more appropriate way to determine those who'll be seated. We have heard that some are willing to look at the mechanism for governance of the State Technical College System.
There really must be a top down review of every similar entity in Wisconsin, and it ought to be very rigorous...not simply a 'lip service' group convened with foregone conclusions from day one!
