META — Meta water customers will see higher rates beginning on Jan. 1 as the city attempts to cover the cost of operating and improving its water system without generating significant excess revenue.

Aldermen unanimously approved increasing the minimum water rate from $39.97 to $51.50 for the first 1,000 gallons. Each additional 1,000 gallons will increase from $11.25 to $25.50.

The change followed a rate study prepared by Missouri Rural Water Association (MRWA) Technical Management Specialist Valerie Main. Under the study, Meta’s existing rate structure was projected to leave the water system nearly $53,000 short of meeting expenses, while the option ultimately selected by the board was projected to produce only about $1,800 in net income for the year.

“If things stay the way they are, we will have an income, per se, of about $1,800,” said City Clerk Deidra Buechter, clarifying that the figure represented the city’s projected annual surplus from the water system.

The board considered multiple rate structures before settling on the new rates. Buechter said officials were conscious of the impact on customers and chose an option they believed would meet the city’s needs without increasing bills more than necessary.

“Maybe it won’t be too much of a shock,” Buechter said of the option ultimately selected, adding that the city is not a for-profit operation, but maintaining the system at a deficit is not feasible.

The study also considered approximately $350,000 in potential debt as Meta continues planning improvements to its water system.

Bartlett & West Engineer Blake Wilbers discussed a revised project scope that could include a shutoff valve and pump-to-waste plumbing at the well, raising the well casing, adding lightning protection, enlarging the pump house, and providing room for a booster pressure pump.

Buechter said subsequent information from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) indicated only the well-casing work and booster pump would require construction permits. That could allow the city to use contractors directly for some of the remaining work instead of having every portion engineered.

“That will save us a ton of money,” Buechter said.

The city also hopes additional grant funding can reduce the amount it ultimately must borrow. Buechter said Wilbers will explore other funding sources “so that we don’t have to do a rate increase this large again.”

Water loss, meanwhile, continued to improve in August. The city pumped 1,980,382 gallons and accounted for 1,456,695, leaving 523,687 gallons, or 26%, unaccounted for. That compares with 28% in July and 59% in June.

“That’s a lot better,” Buechter said. She said the city knows a fire hydrant is leaking and planned to install a new valve and replace the hydrant Monday, requiring residents to be without water for a short time. Buechter said DNR considers 10% or less an acceptable water-loss level.

The August report attributed 216,000 gallons to known leaks and 710,000 gallons to system flushing. Customers were billed for 530,695 gallons.

The board had planned a special meeting on Sept. 15 with representatives of the Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) to discuss services and Meta’s proposed nuisance ordinance, but the meeting was not held because the city lacked a quorum.

Buechter subsequently sent the proposed ordinance to MRPC for review. She said the agency did not identify significant changes, while noting that legal questions involving enforcement and court proceedings should remain with the city’s attorney. The board is expected to revisit the ordinance in October.

The board also appointed Linda Stump to complete the vacant alderman term formerly held by Mikayla Wankum. Stump was the only person who volunteered for the position and was sworn in following the board’s unanimous vote.

FINANCIAL NEWS

The city’s July water and trash management report showed $7,168.79 in water charges for 402,989 gallons and $1,845 in trash charges for 82 customers. The city also assessed $261.31 in tax, $220 in late fees, $729.48 in primacy fees, and $70 in reconnection or connection fees. Total current charges were $10,294.58. After a previous balance of negative $891.30, the amount due was $9,403.28. Payments totaled $9,604.76, leaving a negative balance of $201.48.

As of Aug. 31, the city had $794,320.42 in its Mid America Bank operating account after beginning the month with $801,535.91, receiving $24,582.24 in credits, and recording $31,797.73 in debits. The money market account totaled $144,209.61 after earning $79.57 in interest. Two certificates of deposit totaled $176,523.98, bringing the city’s total Mid America Bank holdings to $1,115,054.01.