New meters being installed, rates raised, treatment plan work coming

By Jessica Breger Special to Monett Monthly

The Monett City Council recently revisited multiple issues on the table, making final decisions on items like its water meter system, sewer rates and treatment facility work, among other actions.

The board first approved the authorization for a new metering system that was discussed during the previous July meeting of the city council. 

“What this new system will do at the expense of $1.9 million, is new meters, reader remote,” said Randy Burke, mayor. “They’re more accurate, so you have a better reading of what you’re actually using, and they’re more reliable.”

Burke went on to explain that the city is currently replacing meters “to the tune of about 100 a month.”

As discussed in the July meeting of the city council, the order would provide 5,000 water meters and 5,000 electrical meters to complete a city-wide overhaul. 

The council also revisited the sewer rates within the city of Monett and the city of Purdy.

Burke noted that the hearing to raise sewer rates for Monett had taken place earlier in the year.

The motion was presented during the March city council meeting which was preceded by a public hearing. In April the motion passed with a unanimous vote by the board. 

The agenda item this month would add an addendum to include the city of Purdy, as Monett processes sewage from Purdy, raising the sewage rates for both cities.

“If we don’t do it, we’re going to lose about $750,000 this next year, and sewer rates have not been raised since 2014,” Burke said. 

The new rates will go into effect on Oct. 1. 

The city also approved the contract to begin work on updates to the sewage treatment facility, a motion that was also approved earlier in the year. 

“They are long term improvements” Burke said.

Burke noted while this project does contribute to the raise in sewage rates, it also allows for increased opportunities for future low-interest loans from the state for future city utility needs. 

Burke said in the April meeting of the city council regarding the rate increase, the rate hike is spread over five years and will keep the city within parameters of the “debt ratio” needed to access the State Revolving Fund. 

He said that the new facility will increase capacity and be easier to maintain, as it utilizes air instead of rotors.

New playground equipment in the South Park was also approved. 

The equipment is set to go where the old swimming pool was located, the area providing adequate parking for families. 

The cost will be just under $200,000, to be paid back with the park tax. 

Regular City Council Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Monett School District Board Room, with video available on the city’s website the following day.