Scott City council approves increases to water, sewer rates

The Scott City council voted 5-2 Monday night to raise its water and sewer rates to help pay for a wastewater treatment plant and lagoon.

The council begrudgingly agreed at its March meeting water and sewer rates needed to be increased to accommodate rules from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Water rates in Scott City currently are 27 cents per 100 gallons, with sewer rates at 76 percent of the water bill. Trash is an additional $11 a month.

With the ordinance passed Monday, water rates will rise to 37 cents for 100 gallons effective May 1. From May 1, 2016, to June 30, 2017, another 5-cent increase will be added, and sewer bills will match the water bill.

Before voting Monday, the council seemed to be in agreement on the increases until Ward 2 councilman Pat Brazel again said maybe more spending cuts could be made.

There was discussion, but eventually Ward 4 councilman Norman Brant suggested voting. The ordinance passed 5-2, with councilman Pete Wadlington absent.

An audit in January revealed the city loses money on its water rates and breaks even with trash and sewer. Until the new wastewater treatment adjustments were enforced by the EPA, the city was able to hold its own.

Three years from now, however, when Scott City has to begin paying back its $4.5 million bond issue for the wastewater treatment plant, rate increases will be needed to cover the estimated $132,000 the city would lack.

The ordinance stated: "The city is required to increase its water rates to pay the deficiency and cover increases in the city's water services, including, but not limited to maintenance and upkeep of the water facilities, salaries and training of public works employees, lease, maintenance and purchase of equipment and supplies necessary to service the City's water facilities."

Mayor Tim Porch assured the council while "we've fought, we've argued, and we've worked it through the committees," there are not a lot of other options for making up the money.

Other business

Other ordinances passed Monday included a new section of the Scott City code about disabled and inoperable vehicles. The new ordinance states unlicensed or inoperable motor vehicles cannot sit in front of a resident's home more than 10 days.

If parked on the side or rear of a residence, the vehicle must be covered with a tarp or concealed so it is not visible to the public. No tall vegetation or debris can be around or under the vehicle. Vehicles out of compliance will be considered a nuisance.

Court clerk Megan Bollinger narrowly was approved for a 3 percent raise after her introductory period of work. She was hired in March 2014, and after a year, city administrator Ron Eskew agreed to bring the issue to council. Bollinger requested the raise after other city employees received one in July.

Public works director Jack Rasnic said a portion of the city's fire hydrants have been checked and repaired. After issues earlier in the year, Porch said checking the hydrants was necessary, and Rasnic said the evaluations would be completed shortly. Rasnic said these hydrants are a certain brand the city installed, and there are about 38 of them. Porch estimated the city had about 180 hydrants total.

Police chief David Leeman spoke with the council about the possibility of getting body cameras for city officers. He said officers have dash cams that automatically turn on when emergency lights are activated, and he supported the idea of body cams, but he said more research was needed on pricing and how exactly the cameras record footage.

smaue@semissourian.com

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pertinent address:

215 Chester Ave., Scott City