The City of Cape Girardeau’s water rate increase proposal lost on the general election ballot Tuesday, Nov. 5, falling behind by 1,886 votes.
Cape Girardeau Mayor Stacy Kinder released a statement on the issue of the water rate increase proposal increase not passing.
“As with many similar issues across the country, this was a ballot initiative that was difficult for voters to agree upon. Voting to raise one’s own utility rates is always a difficult choice, especially at a time when the overall economy is difficult for many to navigate says Kinder.
Some new components in the water treatment facility will be brought online in the coming year, which will ensure better monitoring and efficiency of our water treatment process. However, more crucial upgrades at the treatment facility and throughout the distribution system still must be made, in order to provide the quality and quantity of water needed for the city. We as a community will, in the near future, have to discuss again how that necessary work will get done.”
According to City of Cape Girardeau voter education documents, there would likely be more water main breaks, boil advisories, water conservation orders and increased repair costs if the city cannot invest in its water system.
The water Proposal if passed would have:Updated Water Treatment, Replaced critical infrastructure at the plant to continue producing high-quality water at higher volumes, Improved Distribution, Replaced aging water mains and reduce main break frequency, replaced old pipes, kept Cape water safe, clean, and reliable and Increased rates $8-$14/month for most households.
Questions: Is the water safe to drink now? Yes!
The change in source water caused the treatment process to slow, reducing production. We have a quantity problem, not a quality problem.
Is something wrong with the source water?
The water has been more challenging to treat. There are naturally occurring substances that develop in our source water, which the water treatment plant routinely treats to remove. Environmental changes have slowed down the treatment process, limiting the flow through the plant.
The ballot issue did not pass. Moving forward…
Shortages would be likely, and a quality decline would be possible. The city will still do emergency repairs, but over time, our system will become increasingly less reliable and we’ll need to consider water conservation.
Why doesn’t the City get state or federal grant money?
Various state and federal funding sources look at a city’s Affordability Index
to determine if its residents are paying their part. The City’s current Affordability Index
is 0.76, meaning our rates are too low to qualify for state or federal grants to help with our funding needs.
More Information go to cityofcape.org/water
Water Treatment Plant Tours Every Friday at 2 p.m. Call 573-334-6747 to schedule
