FRANKLIN AND OAK CREEK AGREE TO HISTORIC WATER RENEWAL AGREEMENT

The cities of Franklin and Oak Creek have agreed to a 40-year agreement that will ensure thousands of residents and businesses within each community will continue to receive high-quality drinking water. Franklin Mayor John Nelson and Oak Creek Mayor Daniel Bukiewicz will sign the historical agreement on Friday, September 6. This agreement will establish Oak Creek Water and Sewer Utility as the provider of Lake Michigan water to the Franklin Municipal Water Utility for the next 40 years, with an automatic renewal of an additional 40 years. This agreement will replace the 30-year contract the two neighboring cities entered in 1994 and is a historical representation of regional cooperation between these two communities.

“After years of research and analysis, the priority for the citizens and businesses of Franklin was, and will always be, to provide them with the best quality of water at the most cost-effective price. As a result, we determined the correct course of action was to secure our partnership with Oak Creek for the long term,” said Franklin Mayor John Nelson.

Conversations to renew the previous 30-year agreement began in late 2016, when partnering with other jurisdictions was considered by Franklin’s previous elected officials. “The amount of cost that would have been passed on to the people and businesses of Franklin to develop the infrastructure from another supplier was inconceivable,” said Nelson, “and truthfully, why change a partnership that has served our residents extremely well over the past 30 years.”

According to the 2024 Water Bill Comparison report, Franklin is #104 of #266 water municipalities when compared to the cost for an average of 12000 gallons per quarter. A ranking that has remained consistent throughout the previous 30-year agreement.

“I’ve enjoyed collaborating with Mayor Nelson, his staff, and our outstanding team at the Oak Creek Water and Sewer Utility to create an agreement that is mutually beneficial,” said Oak Creek Mayor Daniel Bukiewicz, “this agreement facilitates our ability to move forward with additional investments in our plant that will ensure outstanding water quality for Oak Creek and our partners, including Franklin, for generations to come.

During an August 20, 2024, Franklin Common Council meeting, it was unanimously voted to extend the current contract, which will become official at the September 6 signing at the Franklin City Hall.

“With the two cities being in such close proximity, agreements like this are not only about fiscal and environmental responsibilities, but fostering regional cooperation and collaboration, which only benefits the efficiencies of both Franklin and Oak Creek,” said Nelson.

"We're thrilled to solidify our partnership with Franklin and to continue providing exceptional water service to the community. This agreement aligns with Oak Creek's vision of being a dynamic regional leader, and we're confident that together, we can drive the future of the south shore," said Michael Sullivan, PE, General Manager of Oak Creek Water and Sewer Utility.

Key Facts of the Agreement:

• The 40-year agreement will extend the City of Franklin and the City of Oak Creek long-term partnership to supply reliable and sustainable water.
• The partnership is fiscally responsible because it is a continuation of an already established and successful water system.
• Franklin residents and businesses will not experience an increase in their utility bills due to a redirection of water resources.
• Franklin residents and businesses will not experience any down time or inconvenience of water distribution due to the lack of major construction necessary for this agreement.
• The wholesale rate for water sold to Franklin Municipal Water Utility will continue to be set by the Public Service Commission at the same rate of return as Oak Creek residents.

 The Wholesale Water Purchase and Sale Agreement was signed by Franklin Mayor John Nelson and Oak Creek Mayor Daniel Bukiewicz on September 6, 2024, at 11 a.m.