Springfield ratifies $29.5 million regional wastewater budget and $42 million capital program for FY26–27

Springfield City Council on May 20 ratified the Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission’s (MWMC) FY2026–27 regional wastewater operating budget and capital improvements program.

Matt Stouter, executive director of MWMC, presented the regional budget package, which sets the MWMC operating budget at $29.5 million and anticipates a multi‑year capital program with an approximately $42 million capital plan for the coming fiscal year. Stouter said the operating budget reflects a 7.3% increase from the prior year and that the budget assumes the MWMC board‑adopted 5.5% regional rate adjustment. Staff emphasized rising contractual, chemical and utility costs as drivers of increased spending.

Stouter asked Springfield to ratify the regional budget and CIP; the council approved the ratification by roll call vote (six yes, zero no). Councilors acknowledged the work involved and commended staff and MWMC for the budget preparation. The ratification completes the local governing‑body step required by the MWMC intergovernmental agreement ahead of final board adoption.