As sewer hike looms, St. Joseph re-envisions long-term plan to address mandates
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Over the last 25 years, St. Joseph sewer rates have risen by more than 400%, a significant increase fueled by more than half a billion dollars in mandated improvements to address regulations and prevent sewage overflows into the Missouri River.
From around $13 a month in 2000, the average sewer bill now sits at $65.70 for an in-city resident in 2025. On Monday, City Councilmembers will vote on a proposal to increase rates by 3% in both 2025 and 2026, with the first rate hike taking effect July 1.
Local parents Marc and Stephany Carpenter pay an average sewer bill more than twice the average. The longtime Lake Contrary residents see a higher rate due to their home falling outside city limits but still being connected to the city's sewer system, as is the case with many surrounding residents.
"It's always been about $100 to $150 on the sewer bill," Marc said.
With five kids at home to care for, the Carpenters lament how much sewer costs have grown over time. The family's challenges are compounded by large increases for almost every major utility this year, including water (17% monthly increase), electricity (7% monthly increase) and proposed increases for natural gas.
"Having five kids, it puts a toll on us," Stephany said. "Instead of using the money for the kids, I put it on an extra bill."
If new sewer rates are approved, residents would see back-to-back years of increases after six years without one between 2017 and 2023. A previous council voted to use roughly $5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding to keep sewer bills stable for several years, a short-term fix.
Tune in at 5 p.m. on Thursday for this News-Press NOW Special Report.
