City Council approves landfill, sewer rate increases

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Residents will see higher sewer rates starting next week in addition to future increases in landfill dumping fees following approval by City Councilmembers this evening.

Monday’s meeting concluded with council members approving rate increases for both city services. Beginning Tuesday, July 1, residents will see sewer rates jump by 3%. Under the same measure, rates will increase again by 3% in mid-2026. 

All in all, the proposal is expected to push monthly sewer bills from $65.70 to $67.55, and again to $69.50 for most in-city residents.

St. Joseph residents have seen frequent and significant sewer rate increases since 2000 as the city continues the process of meeting the demands of keeping its aging sewer system in compliance with regulations mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency and Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Nearly 60% of the city's combined sewer system was installed before 1920.

St. Joseph’s current sewer rates are not out of line with those of other older river towns in the Midwest, including Omaha, Nebraska ($60.12) and Kansas City, Missouri ($79.01), both of which are experiencing similar challenges. 

Landfill fees to increase beginning in 2026 as city makes headway on cell construction

In addition to higher sewer rates, St. Joseph customers and trash haulers will see tipping fees increase from $40 to $50 effective Jan. 1 2026, as part of a measure approved by Councilmembers on Monday. Tipping fees would increase again to $60 a ton on Jan. 1, 2027, if it is adopted by council. 

Prior to last year, tipping fees had remained mostly unchanged over the last two decades despite increases in operational costs. The rate was set at $30 a ton in 2007, rising to $34 a ton in 2013, before being lowered to $32 a ton in 2018.

"The landfill is an enterprise fund, so everything that we make out there goes back to the landfill. And this money will allow us to buy new equipment, contract out another company or hire more staff," said Abe Forney, director of Public Works and Transportation.

The proposal comes as city officials reported successful progress Monday on the construction of landfill cell 8, a critical project that was fast-tracked to ensure enough space would be available if the rapidly decreasing cell 7 reached capacity this year.

"It does appear that Cell 8 at the landfill should be open by August," City Manager Mike Schumacher said. "The vast majority of work has been completed."

The situation presented numerous challenges for the city and residents last year, concerns that have improved significantly since that due to successful construction efforts, along with a waiver from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources approving additional space in the short term.

"If the timeline continues as is we will have enough space," Forney said.

Stay with us as we continue to update this story.