Utility rate increases pass first readings

Four ordinances seeking to increase utility rates in the City of West Plains passed first reading on Nov. 17. A public hearing on these rate increases kicked off the regular meeting of the West Plains City Council last Thursday. Two citizens were present to speak, report the draft minutes of the meeting. Mike Burgess of West Plains, asked the Council to consider the "best possible choice for the citizens and businesses." Stacy McCallister, also of West Plains, spoke in opposition to the increases. 

In a letter to the City Council, City Administrator Sam Anselm explained that the rate increases will be necessary to fund the city's "current levels of operations and provide for necessary investment in utility infrastructure. Municipally owned utilities are funded by ratepayer charges and are not subsidized by tax revenues. Therefore, rates set for use of the utility should generate adequate annual revenue to pay costs of operation, maintenance, replacement of existing infrastructure, reserves for future capital needs, and required debt obligations."

At last Thursday's meeting, the Council passed first readings of ordinances to increase electricity, water, sewer, and sanitation rate. Councilwoman Jessica Nease made initial motions to approve the first readings, and second motions were made by Councilman John Murrell, Councilman John Niesen twice, and Councilman Murrell again.

A second reading and adoption of these ordinances is expected to take place at the City Council meeting on Dec. 21. 

In other action, Councilwoman Nease made a motion for the first reading of an ordinance to approve the 2023 municipal budget. Councilman Neisen seconded it. A second reading of the ordinance is expected to take place Dec. 21. For an overview of the revenues and department expenses, see Fig. XXXX. 

Further action items included:

-A resolution to pursue a right of way acquisition for the Independence Railroad overpass project passed.

-A resolution to pursue right of way acquisition for the Saint Louis Bridge project passed.

-A resolution to implement measures necessary to create federal railroad authority quiet zones inside of the city limits passed. 

-A second reading of an ordinance defining the fiscal year of the City of West Plains as the same as the calendar year passed. 

-Proposed budgets for TIFs #1, #2, and #3 were presented for first reading. 

-Budget amendments for the fiscal year beginning April 1, 2022, and ending Dec. 31, 2022 were presented for first reading. Documents from the City reveal these budget amendments address a decrease to revenues of $1,716,681, which is "mostly the result of deferring ARPA grant revenues and insurance claim reimbursement revenues per accounting guidelines" as well as an increase in expenses of $469,978. The overall impact is a decrease of $2,186,659.