Cape council may raise water, sewer and trash fees; city employees may receive 2 percent raises

The Cape Girardeau City Council may raise water, sewer and trash fees when it approves the budget later this year.

Under the proposal, the average monthly utility bill would increase by $1.88, from $75.49 to $77.35, city manager Scott Meyer said.

City officials discussed the possible increase at the council's annual retreat Friday.

Meyer and Mayor Harry Rediger said Monday the proposed increase is needed to keep up with higher operating costs.

"We think it is reasonable," Meyer said. "I think it is a good value."

Rediger said the exact increase will "probably amount to 2 or 3 percent, but it is not locked in yet."

The mayor said he believes a small fee increase is preferable to imposing a larger increase several years down the road.

"I would rather do a small amount and keep up with it every year," Rediger said.

The city's water, trash and sewer systems are designed to be self-sustaining through fee revenue, he added.

The proposed fee increases are part of the proposed city budget being reviewed by the city council. The council is expected to finalize the fiscal 2016-2017 budget in June. The new fiscal year begins July 1.

According to city budget information, a 1 percent rate increase would annually generate an additional $65,455 in sewer revenue, $58,520 a year in water revenue and $24,580 in trash revenue.

Meyer said the financial plan also envisions a 2 percent raise for full-time and part-time city employees. The 2015-2016 budget included a 1.7 percent raise for all city employees.

The city manager said initially officials had looked at a 3 percent raise, but determined it was not economically feasible.

Ward 6 Councilman Wayne Bowen suggested at Friday's special study session the city administration should consider eliminating the proposed 2 percent pay raise for part-time employees. Bowen said that would provide some savings that could be used to pay for other city expenses.

He said a high-school student will apply for a job regardless of whether the city raises pay levels. But deputy city manager Molly Hood said the city's part-time employees include some who serve critical roles that require special skills.

Meyer said the council retreat served as the starting point in drawing up the new budget.

"This is the beginning of discussion, not the end of discussion," he said.

mbliss@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3641

Pertinent address:

401 Independence St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.