Saint Joseph council delays effective date for sewer-fee ordinance after public concern over rising rates

A public hearing and subsequent council action on sewer rates dominated the conversation early in the Saint Joseph City Council meeting.

Resident Jim Whitinger told the council that sewer rates seem to rise every year, said he believes sewer bills run “2, 3 times as much as the water rates,” and criticized regulatory-driven costs imposed by EPA and the Missouri DNR. He told the council the city cannot afford required upgrades to treat ammonia and cited “$7,000,000 for new aerators” at the treatment plant as an example of an expensive obligation.

Council responded by taking up an ordinance (amending section 29-237 of the code of ordinances) to increase various sewer-service fees. Council member Schultz moved to amend the ordinance to change two references to the effective date from 07/01/2024 to 10/01/2024; Council member Grimm seconded. The amendment passed and the council voted to adopt the amended bill, recorded as 9 ayes on both the amendment and final passage.

Why it matters: Whitinger’s remarks framed a recurring public concern about the durability of sewer-rate increases and the portion of rates driven by debt service and regulatory mandates. The council’s amendment delays the ordinance’s implementation date, which briefly alters the timing that customers and the city’s billing system will see the changes.

What’s next: The council approved the amended ordinance at the meeting; the clerk recorded the votes and the amended effective date will be reflected in the final ordinance filing.

Quote: “Why the sewer your sewer bill is 2, 3 times as much as the water rates?” — Jim Whitinger, resident (public comment).