CITY TAKES TIME TO EXPLAIN SEWER FUNDING

Everyone who passes through Cape Girardeau knows about the massive sewer separation project. It is evident in the numerous detours and one-lane streets common in the city's downtown. A little travel inconvenience seems a small price to pay for progress.

But in recent weeks, the price of that progress has escalated. The city is expected to ask voters for another $8 million to complete sewer improvements. This past week, the City Council decided to wait until February to seek voter approval as opposed to November. The delay may be well-advised since the city must explain the need for the additional dollars.

The $8 million seems a significant chunk of change considering the original sewer project was $25 million. It follows recent cost overruns in a number of school construction projects. Taken all together, the overruns could have the effect of fueling taxpayers' frustrations.

The reason for the increased sewer costs are varied, officials say. The method of doing the work changed for some of the early projects. Other projects expanded in scope as they progressed.

Some of the work proved more costly than expected. For example, one of the main projects remaining is replacement of four pumping stations. Since the initial design work was done, the city has learned it must also replace the large sewer line that runs along the railroad tracks and the river north to the wastewater treatment plant. That replacement of more than 8,000 feet of pipe adds another $2 million to the overall cost.

In addition, new projects have been added, such as repairs to the aging wastewater treatment plant.

The city plans to develop a more detailed explanation of why the costs increased for voters. That's good. When all the facts are on the table, taxpayers are likely to be much more understanding and supportive.

The good news is that the $8 million won't cost any additional tax dollars. The current quarter-cent sales tax has raised more money than anticipated. It is expected to cover the additional work without an extension. Voters would simply need to approve the bonds needed for the work.

The city should also work closely with the Cape Girardeau School District, which has another bond issue coming. Voter approval will be required in 2000 or 2001 for construction of the new high school. This too can be handled without an increase in taxes.

Separating storm runoff from sewage already has been completed in some areas, and the new system is working, according to city officials. For years, heavy rains meant sewage-filled basements for many residents and too much runoff for the treatment plant to handle. Affected property owners have noticed a significant improvement, and city officials have reported a reduced flow of wastewater at the treatment plant in extreme wet weather. Crews monitor the sewers during heavy rains, and they report better-than-planned results.

The sewer problems became a major issue during the 1990 City Council election. In 1994 voters overwhelming approved the initial sewer project, which was to be funded by a quarter-cent sales tax and revenue bonds.

The project seemed prudent. After the flood of 1993, the Environmental Protection Agency and Missouri Department of Natural Resources began mandating cities of 100,000 population to segregate their combined sewer systems. Many city officials figured it was just a matter of time before Cape Girardeau's sewer segregation was required.

The city is preparing to make its case for the additional dollars, and residents should listen closely.