GM plant is big consumer; loss will be felt all over
JANESVILLE — Autoworkers aren't the only ones who'll be feeling the end of sport-utility vehicle production at the General Motors plant in Janesville.
The plant is among the biggest users of water, sewer, electric and waste services—and it still holds the title of largest single taxpayer in the city, said Jay Winzenz, director of administrative services.
"General Motors has been a part of Janesville history for a long time, and not having production at the local plant certainly changes the character of the community," he said.
Water and sewer
The GM plant was projected to consume more than 343.2 million gallons of water this year. That's about 9 percent of the city's total projected consumption.
The plant also was projected to discharge 320.6 million gallons of wastewater this year. That's about 12 percent of the city's total projected discharge.
The city estimates GM will pay $943,485 in fees for water, sewer, stormwater and fire protection in 2008. Even if the plant had consumed nothing in 2008, GM would have paid $44,373 in utility fees.
To account for the reduced revenue, the city has approved a wastewater rate increase and is anticipating a water rate increase for next year. Rate increases also are planned for 2010.
Electricity
The GM plant accounts for less than 1 percent of Alliant Energy's total sales in Wisconsin, said spokesman Steve Schultz. But the automaker is among the utility's top 10 customers in Wisconsin terms of usage.
Waste
Waste Management has hauled waste from the GM plant to the city landfill for several years, said spokeswoman Lynn Morgan.
The hauler has taken 360 tons of waste to the landfill so far this year, according to the city. That's down from 879 tons of waste in 2007 and 1,192 tons in 2006.
The current landfill disposal fee is $21.80 per ton.
Truck traffic
Truck traffic to and from the GM plant is tough to gauge, city officials said.
But when the automaker was running two 10-hour shifts a day at a line speed of about 55 vehicles an hour, there was about one truck leaving the LSI warehouse for the GM plant every minute, according to the city. That was about 1,200 round trips per day of production.
Of course, as production hours have decreased and as the line speed has been reduced, the number of trucks coming to and leaving from the plant have dropped, the city said.
Rail traffic
Union Pacific Railroad spokesman Mark Davis said the railroad's auto ramp facility at the plant will remain in operation even after SUV production ends at the GM plant.
The ramp is where new vehicles arrive by train and then are unloaded and placed on trucks to be delivered to car dealerships in the Midwest.
But as a result of drastically decreased production at the GM plant, Union Pacific will reduce the number of trains at the Janesville train yard from seven to two, Davis said.
Of the five fewer trains, two were dedicated to serving the GM plant and three provided indirect support to the plant, he said. The two remaining trains will serve the auto ramp facility and nearby customers, he said.
Air traffic
Ron Burdick, director of the Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport, said the airport never was a "big player" in operations at the GM plant.
"But when there was a need for parts that couldn't get here... GM would utilize the airport real heavily to get those parts in there," he said. "It cost more to shut that plant down than it did to fly those parts in here."
Burdick said air traffic definitely will decrease after SUV production ends at the GM plant.
Still hopeful
Winzenz said the end of SUV production at the GM plant will change the community, but many are hopeful this isn't the end.
"We're still hopeful that General Motors will bring a new product line to Janesville," he said.
"The local plant has an extremely competent and dedicated workforce. We're hopeful that General Motors continues to be a part of Janesville."
Dec 21, 2008 at 10:35 a.m.
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when demand goes down supply goes up and prices should go down. Not with Government they need to tax us more. And why do we think Government in our lives is a good thing?
Dec 21, 2008 at 10:23 a.m.
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reducing energy consumption and water usage isn't that a good thing?
Dec 21, 2008 at 9:02 a.m.
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rooster - there are still many retirees and others with a vested interest in GM and it's suppliers that will stay here. Yes, discretionary income will fall, but hopefully not too far. Of course, people with anti-GM attitudes will just further cut more facial parts off to spite their whole head.
Dec 20, 2008 at 10:35 p.m.
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the anti gm bias will start to rear its ugly head as the "overpaid" workers begin to cut way back in their discresionary spending. all kinds of local businesses will hurt such as retaruants, retail shops and malls, etc. the cities fathers who have been on a mission to make jvl big will see the city near collapse as houses go on sale and remain unsold and taxes become uncollectable. the 17 billion might have a temporary effect but it will take more in 3 months and who knows if the current administration will grant more.
Dec 20, 2008 at 10:09 p.m.
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this city stinks in their planning. they have had plenty of time to come up with a plan but in the end, our taxes will go up, way up. a few will pay or try to for the many.
Dec 20, 2008 at 7:43 p.m.
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Why is it that when they lose revenue, they (city of Janesville) can't look at ways to cut spending! Seems like simple math to me. Now, they will take more from those who chose to live in the city. They need to do both for a meet in the middle compromise.
Dec 20, 2008 at 6:59 p.m.
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Unidentified, your right! There is plenty of help through Job services and the UAW to help people get on the right path. Most people I know WANT to be a productive member of society. Plus, when you work with others you gain plenty of friendships that last a lifetime.Everyone at GM, Lear, LSI and others should seek out this help. I have urged fellow workers to go to the meetings as they are invaluable, whether you go to school, want another job, or plan on retiring.
Dec 20, 2008 at 6:52 p.m.
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Unidentified...well balanced post. Makes perfect sense. It's what I should have said. Next time.
Dec 20, 2008 at 6:52 p.m.
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Right on RU, I'm done poking a stick at the cockroach.
Dec 20, 2008 at 6:48 p.m.
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You people, don't engage r2better. He is just using your rebuttles as entertainment and he doesn't have anything intelligent to say anyway. If you continue to engage him, he will continue his 2nd grade rhetoric. Don't give him the pleasure. Just ignore him.
Dec 20, 2008 at 6:45 p.m.
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It would be nice if one time I logged into a GM blog topic and it didn't degrade into a high school drama fest.
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How good, how bad, over paid, under appreciated, important, insignificant, and any other comments on GM workers are past tense. Now ,as an entire city, we need to deal with the consequences of GM's closure.
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Although I think this city could use a bit more compassion and personality, I've seen far worse. What we lack in personality, arts, and entertainment we gain in cleanliness, location, and safety. No city is perfect, but again I've seen much worse. Now we need to find ways to draw new businesses to the area so all those effected can move forward and we can put these topics to rest forever.
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Those who wallow in other peoples misery certainly can't be all that happy themselves. It's likely they have social or psychological issues that haven't been dealt with. It's sad that they haven't addresses the personal issues that have left them so unhappy, depressed, and bitter. Though their comments are unfortunate, I hope they can pull themselves together and have a Merry Christmas or Happy Holiday.
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To the GM and related workers... You aren't alone. Those who were laid off in July can offer you plenty of suggestions and assistance to make the process for educational and unemployment resources easier. Do your best to enjoy the Holiday season under trying circumstances.
Dec 20, 2008 at 6:44 p.m.
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yes chad...as I said before...best to let it go and let him get it out of his system....jealousy and rage go hand in hand-and this guy has gone off the really deep end. I think it was him I heard laughing maniacally in the distance as I drove out Center Ave the other day.
Dec 20, 2008 at 6:34 p.m.
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Geez, I think r2 is trying to set a new low for sleaziness and pomposity, slamming the good charity work done this weekend. At least I know everyone here can see through his moronic rants, and see him for the sad being that he is.
Dec 20, 2008 at 6:29 p.m.
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Thanks snarly. Been busy getting ready for school so I had not been free lately. Merry Christmas to you too!
Dec 20, 2008 at 5:43 p.m.
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chad_vader were you been lately have not seen a post from you in a while Good luck in finding a job and have a merry christmas.
Dec 20, 2008 at 5:34 p.m.
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JANESVILLEAN HOW ABOUT YOU RUN FOR ALL THE CITY POSITION'S BECAUSE YOU KNOW IT ALL WITH ALL THE HIGH EDUCATED POST YOU PUT OUT YOU SHOULD RUN FOR OFFICE,I will come and vote for you.
Dec 20, 2008 at 5:16 p.m.
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And what glorious place do you live in? I meant the actual city, not the drug induced playland you call your mind. You probably moved somewhere that has a lower IQ so that you could become mayor. Say Hi to Andy and Goober!
Dec 20, 2008 at 5:08 p.m.
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r2better, I hear no crying from GM workers. As a matter of fact-they were the ones who filled your grocery bags at the UAW/GM Food Drive this morning. And what were you doing in your last week of work? I suppose you didn't even bother to thank them.
Dec 20, 2008 at 4:39 p.m.
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123456- You say that You left the "Crabby" City of Janesville, if You disliked Janesville so much, why are You posting in a blog hosted by a "Janesville" paper? You make a lot of sense.
Dec 20, 2008 at 4:03 p.m.
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12345678910 - I have lived many other places.Thanks for the assumption. It was a crabby city to you because you have a negative attitude. I, for one, think this is a great area to live. And I want to see and be a part of it's re-growth. I don't just move away!
Dec 20, 2008 at 3:44 p.m.
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chad_vader...you are exactly the kind to GM employee all of us non-employees are talking about. I read these posts and it makes me so glad that I moved out of that crabby city you call Janesville. I feel sorry for all of you who have not had to opportunity to see what it's like to live somewhere else.
Dec 20, 2008 at 1:59 p.m.
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Wow! Al gore Jr. is here and his name is Pwrtrip. Now if we could only get rid of semi trucks, snowmobiles, snowblowers, riding lawn mowers, dump trucks, and any other air fowling, pollution spewing machine and go live like the Amish, then the world will be saved. Oh, and kill all the cattle and cows since their flatulence started the global warming problem.
Dec 20, 2008 at 1:49 p.m.
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I may be missing other reports but it seems that rather then the city reviewing how to save money I see where taxes will have to go up to off set GM. If the waste water usage is going to be less how will this effect the new waste treatment plant update that the council voted to go with this past summer? Is is possible to reduce some of the improvement since less waste will be going to the treatment plant? To off set budget/tax $$ first look for waste already in the city budget, second review areas that may be cut back, and lastly look at a increase in taxes...
Dec 20, 2008 at 12:41 p.m.
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snarly, if you have any brilliant ideas, please speak up. It is already the job of the city administration to attract and maintain businesses that generate taxes and jobs.
Dec 20, 2008 at 11:56 a.m.
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I wonder if Seneca Foods will be experiencing a water and waste water increase, or if they have special pricing?
Dec 20, 2008 at 11:53 a.m.
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I think we better start by cutting non essential services to make up for the shortfall before we start raising rates on essential services. Close the ice rink, or something rather than raise water and sewer.
Dec 20, 2008 at 10:06 a.m.
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lulu - GM has not made it perfectly clear that they are done with Janesville. All they have said for certain is that they are ceasing production of SUVs. The discussions between the local consortium of lawmakers and GM officials are still ongoing to bring a new product to Janesville. At this point, it's still a longshot, but it's not completely out off the table.
Dec 20, 2008 at 9:52 a.m.
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Ahhh, the domino effect is starting to come into focus. Well maybe the idiots who were praying for this day to come will kick in a few extra bucks, since those people seem to be better off than us lowly peons (according to their posts).
Dec 20, 2008 at 9:04 a.m.
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I agree with gpawcat, people are going to be out of work with no income to pay for rent, gas (if they have a vehicle), food, or anything else. If all these utilities etc raise taxes and fees, how on earth do they expect unemployed Janesville to pay for it? You WILL drive everyone, including new business prospects, away from our city. And city Councilwomen are concerened about people "falling through the cracks"... keep raising fees & taxes, and you won't have to "wait a few years"... everyone will fall through the cracks.
Dec 20, 2008 at 8:34 a.m.
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sorry for the spelling, but this town is in for a crapy year if the JANESVILLE COUNSEL DON'T DO SOMTHING SOON.
Dec 20, 2008 at 8:31 a.m.
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Hmmm if GM is not useing these utility why jack up the price,it will be hard enough to pay the tax now for these people who are out of work,JANESVILLE leadership better re-think all this crap that they are trying to get away with.
Dec 20, 2008 at 6:07 a.m.
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WATER & SEWER: A few years ago, a city in Illinois lost so many residents the sewer didn't flow. As fees go up water conservation and delinquent payments will rise. Business will look else where for a better deal. City, County, State need to hold the line on fees & taxes. make people want to live here, not drive them away.
Dec 20, 2008 at 2:27 a.m.
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"The local plant has an extremely competent and dedicated workforce. We're hopeful that General Motors continues to be a part of Janesville."
You can hope and pray all you want, but GM has made it clear that they are done with Janesville. Stop filling people with false hopes.
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