Chaffee sewer, water bond issue passes

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- The water and wastewater system in Chaffee will receive a makeover after voters approved a $12 million bond Tuesday.

Scheduled to begin construction in 2011, the improvements will include automation of the water purification process to increase efficiency while reducing operators' errors and replacement of the HVAC system and dehumidifiers to prevent the formation of excess condensation. A new disinfection facility will be added to its wastewater treatment system.

The bond passed 209 to 155.

"I think it is great the citizens of the community saw fit to pass the bond issue," councilman Steve Loucks said.

The need to upgrade the system dates to 2008, when Chaffee was issued two boil-water orders, including one that lasted 10 days.

The city in 2008 hired Schultz and Summers Engineering to conduct a study, and held three public meetings in March and one public meeting Monday.

With the passage of the 30-year bond, each household will pay about $61 per month for water and sewer usage. If the bond had not passed rates would have increased to about $91 each month. Loucks emphasized that the rates will remain at the average of $35 to $40 per month until construction begins on the new system.

No completion date on the project has been finalized.

Pertinent address:

222 W Yoakum Ave, Chaffee, MO