The Reporter covers Miller, Morgan and Camden County in Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks and is published once per week on Wednesdays.

Published May 22, 2024

Second try on water rate increase

OSAGE BEACH – After the very vocal opposition by residents of the city to a proposed increase in water and sewer rates, the Board of Aldermen will once again address the issue with new proposed rates.

The first proposal saw a large increase in the rates all at one time – something people were very much against.

One example from the first proposed rate increase was the basic sewer charge. Currently it is $18.20 but the proposed increase would have brought it to $35.14 which is a 93 percent increase. Water rates would be increased approximately 43 percent.

The board tabled the increase at the March 21, 2024 meeting for further review.

The new rate proposal will increase the rates in two steps, one this year and the next in 2025.

Going back to the example of the sewer rate change, the basic metered sewer charge currently is $18.20. The new proposed rate increase, if approved by the board, would begin on August 1, 2024 and would be increased from $18.20 to $22.97.

On February 1, 2025 that rate would again go up this time to $28.42

The current In-City 5/8 inch water rate is $22.73. If the new proposal is approved by the Board of Aldermen, that rate would increase to $26.09 on August 1 and $28.07 on February 1, 2025.

Rates for other sizes and Out-of-City charges would also increase on August 1 and February 1, 2025.

A Public Hearing will be held on the new proposed rates on June 20, 2024, at the 5:30 p.m. Board of Aldermen meeting at City Hall.

After that public hearing the board will decide whether to pass the new rates or not.

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