Joplin officials anxiously awaited the appearance of citizens at a public meeting on May 28 intended to explain the wastewater issue facing voters this August 4. But, besides representatives from the media, only representatives from Duenweg showed up at Cecil Floyd Elementary for the scheduled 6 p.m. meeting.
Joplin Globe correspondent Debby Woodin was there. Actually, she had written a thorough article earlier in May about the city's rationale for approving the $35 million wastewater plan. And most of what eventually was said was a reiteration of facts in that article.
But the show went on as planned. After wastewater official Tim Nylander presented a brief history of the two wastewater treatment plants and why they need upgrading, especially based upon increased home and industrial usage, Joplin finance director Leslie Jones explained why a vote "yes" for the August ballot issue would save money.
While the language in the ballot question simply asks to approve a $35 million improvement to the city owned wastewater services, Jones attempted to explain how approval would save the city and consequently its wastewater users money. An increase in fees in inevitable. But Jones asked if voters wanted a 1.47% increase or a 7% increase, the difference between securing a state revolving loan to cover the cost of improvements or securing funding on the open market. Approval of the expenditure is a requirement of the state before loans from stimulus funds may be secured. The city decided upon a special election in August, allowing a second opportunity in November to seek voter approval, if needed.
Jones said she recognized that voters usually vote "no" to prevent rate hikes--in this case an increase is needed to continue throughout the loan--but removal of contaminants in both the Turkey Creek and Shoal creek wastewater processes is an EPA mandate enforced by the state that stipulates an $8,000 daily fine for non-compliance. The city doesn't have the money for that, Jones said.
While a $6.33 monthly increase is anticipated in residential wastewater bills, Jones said that no increase would be forthcoming in 2009 "recognizing the economic times we're in."
The only two visitors apologized for coming to the meeting
Duenweg Mayor Russell Olds and Alderman Jane Ballard had come to the meeting to express their concern over the amount that their out of town users have to pay for Joplin's wastewater treatment facilities. In spite of monopolizing the floor for several minutes, they were told that the meeting was to explain the ballot issue rather than to address their concerns.
In question was the amount of the surcharge for out of town users, why contract negotiations weren't considered before a $35 million increase was decided upon and consideration of a change in the way Joplin bills its citizens for wastewater usage, similar to what Dunweg users pay based upon a percentage of one's median income.--in order words suggesting that Joplinites don't pay enough of a percentage to cover expenses. Go Back | 
