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News covering policy and issues related to city and county governments in the Ozarks.

Springfield Citizens to See Bump in Sewer Rates

Scott Harvey
/
KSMU

A planned rate increase for wastewater service in Springfield went into effect Wednesday. Citizens will see the three percent increase reflected on their August bill from City Utilities.

The city determines sewer rates based on water consumption because the majority of water residents use goes down drains and toilets and ends up in the wastewater system. Springfield Cleanwater Services charges a minimum sewer bill and a specific rate for each additional CCF, or centum cubic feet. One CCF equals 748 gallons.

According to the city, an average residential user who uses 6 CCF receives a bill for $27.29 per month. Following Wednesday’s effective date, that same residential user’s bill will go to $28.11.

This is the third rate increase for wastewater service since approved by council in 2011 at the request of the Wastewater Improvements Task Force. Additional planned increases will raise the rate to $29 per 6 CCF in 2017.

Doubling the system's reserve fund to between $15 million and $20 million was among the specific suggestions also included in the task force report, as well as "guiding principles," such as linking ratepayer fees directly to the cost of providing service.