Bond approval would overhaul Meta’s aging water system

By Neal A. Johnson, UD Editor
Posted 7/20/22

META — Meta voters will be asked on Aug. 2 whether to approve the issuance of up to $1.5 million in waterworks revenue bonds to fund system improvements.

Issues with the system built in 1959 …

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Bond approval would overhaul Meta’s aging water system

Posted

META — Meta voters will be asked on Aug. 2 whether to approve the issuance of up to $1.5 million in waterworks revenue bonds to fund system improvements.

Issues with the system built in 1959 continue to defy logic as water-loss rates fluctuate from one month to the next, and aldermen agree that chasing down leaks is not productive.

During a special election in January 1959, Meta voters elected to become a fourth-class city, a necessary step toward improving the community. On April 7, 1959, by a vote of 44-15, residents approved $56,000 of indebtedness in the form of general obligation bonds, and $44,000 in revenue bonds, for a total of $100,000 in bonds to be used for a water system. Meta officials hired an engineering firm, a deep well was drilled, and a 100,000-gallon water tower was erected. The city also placed fire plugs around town, and the system was functioning within a year.

In the 63 years since then, the water system has had its share of problems, but city officials have done their best to maintain it. However, serious breaks have occurred in the last couple of years, including one that cost Meta two million gallons of water.

Aldermen suspect that unfound leaks are to blame for the high rate of water loss. From April 2021 to April 2022, water loss was reportedly approximately 38% average; it should not exceed 10%. 

“Water loss represents lost revenue for the water system, and may indicate main leaks, which cause a loss of pressure and pose a potential risk for backflow,” said City Clerk Deidra Buechter. “In addition, if the water loss is due to leaks,  contaminants can enter. Therefore active leaks can be a serious contamination threat to customers.”

At the board’s July 13 meeting, water loss was reported at 25.31%, only slightly higher than June’s report of 25.26%, and in the previous month, the rate was 20.16%. However, it was reported at the April meeting that Meta had lost 33.22% from suspected but unfound leaks.

Bartlett & West was hired to conduct an engineering report and has tried to identify the source of the water loss. 

Due to coliform levels, in October 2019, Meta was notified by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) that they would be required to permanently chlorinate the water system.

While the city has since come into compliance with chlorination, leaks continue to plague the system. 

Aldermen have approved a resolution to commit a 20% match for the Community Development Block Grant (CBDG) and an SRF loan application for water system improvements.

The drinking water improvement project cost is $5,105,375 which include distribution system improvements ($3,162,075), well house improvements ($162,070), and a new water tower ($1,781,230). These cost estimates were initially submitted to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in a 2019 Preliminary Engineering Report and updated to reflect an increase in prices for 2022.

The 20% match through CDBG would mean Meta’s share would be $1,021,075. The State Revolving Fund (SRF) offers a low-interest loan on the city’s balance.

In preparation for improvements, aldermen approved an increase in rates in July 2021 following a rate study by the Missouri Rural Water Association (MRWA). At which time, Buechter noted the rate of $15.73 for the first 1,999 gallons of water and $6.55 per each additional 1,000 gallons was last increased in 2014. During discussion of water rate increases Alderman Hoffman noted, “I think it’s a lot of money, and people are going to be pissed.” 

“Yes, but with loans, if we don’t bump up to say we can support ourselves, they won’t look at lending us any funds,” Mayor Emily Sommerer replied. “If we want to improve the city with water, we’re going to have to bump up something,” 

With their selection, the first year (2021) saw an increase to $25.73 for the first 1,999 gallons; this year, the water rate jumped to $37 per month plus 2% for inflation for the first 1,999 gallons, or approximately $51.62, total depending on the amount of the increase in trash service costs.

Leading up to the Aug. 2 election, city officials plan to present information to residents using letters, the city’s website, and possibly brochures.

City Attorney Nathan Nickolaus warned aldermen that they were not allowed to promote passage of the bond issue.

“You can educate the public, but you cannot tell them to vote for it,” he said.

Note: Regular business from the July meeting will be presented next week.