Megan Davis
McDonald County Press [email protected]
Although nothing was put to a vote, proposed water rates figured by the Missouri Rural Water Association were discussed by the City Council during Southwest City's regular meeting Nov. 10.
The budget of $136,049.14 earmarks funds for Water Department employee salaries, $7,000 for regular tower maintenance, and almost $4,000 for a replacement water pump. It also allots $30,000 to be deposited in a savings account and accrue interest for future capital improvements to the water system.
MRWA proposes a flat-rate approach with a residential base fee of $12 and an additional $4.50 for each 1,000 gallons following the first 1,000 gallons used. The commercial rate would begin with a base fee of $12 with an additional $3.75 for each 1,000 gallons after the first 1,000 gallons used.
This new water rate would increase the average residential water bill of 4,000 gallons from the current cost of $24.25 to $25.50 and the average commercial bill of 10,000 gallons from the current cost of $34.75 to $45.75.
See Water page 3A
The U.S. Department of Agriculture as well as the MRWA also recommended charging each residence the base fee if there is more than one domicile hooked to a meter. They also suggested raising the base fee for out-of-town residents because they are not required to pay property taxes to the city.
Mayor Joe Carpenter also proposed re-evaluating the operating costs of the Water Department every year and adjusting the rate accordingly.
Departmental Reports
Public Works Director Shane Clark reported that the Street Department has completed installation of stop signs on the east side of town. Workers are currently preparing the salt spreader and snow plow for winter weather.
The Sewer Department was forced to make additional repairs on the lift station at Blankenship Park this month. The crew installed a sewer tap at 305 Chickasaw St. The Water Department also instated water service to the same property and installed a meter on Park Street.
In other business:
• Carpenter attended the monthly meeting of the county's mayors. A salary survey of city employees was discussed to help evenly compensate workers in each municipality.
• City Clerk Teri Thorpe reported encountering opposition to the outlawing of 55-gallon barrels being used as trash receptacles.
• Police Chief Bud Gow updated the council on the new computers that have been purchased. The laptop is already in use while the desktop should be up and running soon.
• Thorpe also mentioned that if the city purchases pyrotechnics before 2016, the vendor will provide 12.5 percent more product.
General News on 11/19/2015