2019 Lake Survey
About the Sanitary District
The Sanitary District is a local, quasi, unit of government. The Sanitary District around Crystal Lake was created by the Town of Rhine in 1966 because of high pollution, excessive weed growth, restricted navigation, and concerns for the health and safety of all users of Crystal Lake. By the mid 1970’s residential and commercial properties were connected to a new sewer collection system which completely encompasses Crystal Lake as well as much of the surrounding watershed to Crystal Lake. Later Camp Evelyn was added. Weekly garbage and recycling collection service was also added. In 2006 the Sanitary District adopted the additional role of the board of an Inland Lake Protection and Rehabilitation District.
There are more than 225 residential, 3 commercial, and one non-profit Girl Scout camp properties within the District. The assessed value of taxable property within the District exceeds 100 million dollars.
The present Commissioners are:
Al Feld
Jim Peterson
John Mooney
How the Sanitary District is managed:
For many years the Sanitary District’s work was performed by a board of three Commissioners appointed to 6 year rotating terms by the Town of Rhine Board Chairman. In 2003 the residents of the Sanitary District began electing their three commissioners to 6 year rotating terms. Two Commissioners must be residents of the District, and one only needs to own property in the District. The current Commissioners are all lake residents. Anyone interested in serving on the Sanitary District Board is enthusiastically urged to contact the District.
The District Board of Commissioners manages planning, policy, and the delivery of reliable quality services. The Commissioners do not perform any construction, maintenance, or repair work.
All garbage collection, construction, maintenance, repairs, and other physical and technical tasks are performed by outside contractors. All mail handling and accounting functions are performed by outside contractors, and are managed remotely. Yearly reviews are performed by independent CPAs.
The District has no physical location and there are no employees other than the Board of Commissioners.
What the Sanitary District costs:
The yearly budget for the District is over $200,000 consisting of both operating expenses and capital costs. The District has about $1,100,000 in assets. Residential property owners are invoiced $130 for each 3 month period (for the previous 3 months) in addition to a prorated share levied on the property tax. Other types of properties are individually evaluated and charged.
The 2024 budget public hearing will be held October 9, 2023 at 6:00 pm at Northern Moraine Utility office located at N7025 Cty Rd. P, Glenbeulah, Wisconsin. Regular monthly meeting will follow.