The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO

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September 24, 2009

Webb City officials cite regulations in proposal for sewer-rate increase

By Emily Younker

eyounker@joplinglobe.com

WEBB CITY, Mo. — Residents of Webb City could soon see a substantial increase in sewer rates.

Officials say the City Council also might have to cut jobs or work hours, but related numbers are still being crunched.

City Administrator Steve Garrett this week presented a proposal for the city’s fiscal year 2010 budget. The proposal anticipates an increase in sewer rates, and the possible elimination of positions or a reduction in work hours.

But Mayor John Biggs said the council needs more information regarding revenues before making decisions on jobs and hours. He said the city might not have to take either of those actions.

Garrett said the average sewer bill most likely will climb from $20.60 to $28 per month. If approved by the council, that increase could be in effect as early as November.

The proposed rate increase was prompted by higher costs associated with the Center Creek wastewater treatment plant, which the city shares with Oronogo and Carterville. The plant’s 2010 budget, about $200,000 more than last year, lists major expenses as sludge disposal and compliance with state Department of Natural Resources regulations to stop overflows, Garrett said.

The sewer-rate increase would help offset those costs, he said.

Biggs said he doesn’t know yet which path, if any, the city might have to take on jobs and hours.

“There’s still some decisions to be made,” Biggs said. “We could cut back to maybe a 35-hour week for everyone and gain some savings there, or we may have to eliminate a couple positions. It’s going to be tough either way.”

But Biggs said it is still possible that the city might not have to do either.

“Our revenues looked pretty good this last month,” he said. “If we have another month that looks OK, we might not have to do any of it. If it (the economy) should pick up some. We may decide to just ride it out.”

The city’s new fiscal year begins Nov. 1.

The council on Tuesday night also introduced an ordinance that would regulate adult-entertainment businesses in Webb City and restrict where they could operate.

Garrett said the city currently has no applicants for adult-business permits. By adopting an ordinance now, the city would be prepared should it receive any applicants, he said.

“That’s why we want to do it now,” Garrett said. “When you have an applicant, it’s the worst time (to decide what to do).”

The council will review the ordinance Monday night.

Also at the meeting earlier this week, Councilman Don Darby suggested that the council consider an ordinance to restrict cell phone use while driving.

Webb City currently has no such restriction, though a new state law bans texting while driving for those younger than 21.

“I think it ought to include people over 21 also,” Darby said, questioning whether such an ordinance could restrict talking on one’s cell phone while driving as well.

Councilman Brandon Wilson said moving to ban cell phone use while driving could do more harm than good.

“There’s a lot of people who are doing business in their cars,” Wilson said. “Are we going to take that away from them?”

The council made no decision on whether to pursue the ordinance.

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