ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — Despite hearing from multiple consumers who opposed it, the Board of Trustees for the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District voted Thursday to accept a proposed rate hike.
After an hour-long meeting, the board voted 5-1 to accept the proposed rate hike by the independent Rate Commission.
Voters will decide on the proposal when it’s put on the ballot in April.
The proposal would raise monthly rates from $57 to $75 by July 2027.
The money would go to wastewater construction and related maintenance. In a Thursday statement, MSD Boar Chair Amy Fehr said the board's vote reflected its "dedication to fiscal responsibility and strategic foresight."
Not all MSD customers at Thursday night's public meeting agreed.
“I think the board’s vote is a disservice to the community,” said MSD customer Elaine Laura of St. Louis.
“This is hardly a good time to push a proposed rate increase on families,” said MSD customer Tom Sullivan of University City.
"We are acutely aware of the balance that must be struck between the immediate and long-term financial impact on our customers," Fehr said. "It is with a profound sense of responsibility that we proceed, ensuring that we can meet our mandatory regulatory obligations at the most affordable rate possible."