THE PUBLIC MIND: WATER PLANT A GOOD BUY

To the Editor:

As past chairperson of the citizens Utility Commission I would like to comment on the Utility Franchise agreement and water bond issue to be voted on November 5. In our 1987 report to the City Council, the committee recommended that the city proceed with the process of purchasing the electric and water system, if municipalization would not raise taxes and if the City Council could save the citizens on their utility bill. The agreement to purchase~ the water system from Union Electric will meet these two qualifications.

The City Council and staff have successfully negotiated the purchase of the water system from Union Electric. There is no question that Union Electric is going to sell the water system. Fortunately, the city and Union Electric have agreed to a fair price for the system. I believe purchasing the water system is in the best interest of the citizens of Cape Girardeau.

Loc~~al control is the strongest argument to be made in favor of a municipally owned water system. The Cape Girardeau City Council will have the authority to make the important decisions on our water needs, not individuals in St. Louis or Jefferson City. Decisions regarding residential, commercial and industrial growth should be local decisions. Decisions regarding our water quality and service are best made in Cape Girardeau. In the near future, decisions regarding expansion of the water system west of the interstate and north of Route W will need to be made. In addition, decisions regarding main line extension, storage facilities, system repairs and meeting environment regulations will need to be made. These decisions, I believe, will be best made by Cape citizens. I believe that unless the citizens take control of their water system and provide for long range planning and expansion of the system, continued residential development into new areas will be haphazard and may occur with inadequate fire protection.

Throughout the negotiations with Union Electric, the city used the expertise of consultants to reach the lowest possible price and to get the best information regarding the quality of the system. Engineering studies report that the system is generally in good shape, although improvements will be needed. The purchase price of $11,840,000 is a fair price for the city. Furthermore, no taxes will be used to pay for the purchase or repairs of the system.

Municipalities throughout Missouri and the nation awn their water systems. One study showed that there are 584 local water systems in the state of Missouri, and 562 are municipally owned. On November 5, we will have the opportunity to purchase an essential public service and to exercise local control over its management. After examining the provisions of the franchise agreement and considering the pros and cons of purchasing the water system, I encourage the citizens to vote yes.

Peter J. Bergerson

Cape Girardeau