Two propositions on Tuesday's ballot
Published Oct. 31, 2003
On Tuesday, Columbia residents will vote on two propositions regarding water and water treatment bonds.
Proposition 1 will provide funds for replacing equipment that's more than 20 years old at the sewer plant, repairs and replacement to the older areas of the collection system and funds to expand the system as the city grows, Bill Watkins, assistant city manager, said. The proposition would provide $18.5 million for the projects.
Proposition 2 will provide funds for enhanced reliability, increased fire flows and additional capacity that will be needed in the next five years in water utility, Watkins said. Prop. 2 would provide $28.3 million for the projects.
"Both propositions will provide what we think is the lowest cost capital improvement financing for what the City Council feels are the highest water and sewer priorities for the next five years," Watkins said.
The funding would affect all areas of the community, including the MU campus.
"All areas of our community will benefit through increased fire protection and by eliminating pollution that flows into creeks that flow through our city," he said.
Watkins said the propositions have received a lot of support. Sixth Ward City Councilman Brian Ash, who represents the southeast portion of Columbia, including East Campus, said he supports both propositions.
One group, however, is not supporting Prop. 1. The Boone County Smart Growth Coalition is endorsing Prop. 2 but not Prop. 1, Barbara Hoppe, Smart Growth steering committee co-chairwoman, said.
"Some projects have merit and are cleaning up," she said.
The group is concerned other projects will lead to development in environmentally sensitive areas, she said.
One area the group is concerned about is an area called Philips Farm near the southeast corner of Columbia.
"There has to be a process to see if these areas are right for development," Hoppe said. "The current plan doesn't address that."
The group also would like a city citizen advisory commission established to review and oversee sewer improvement and expansion, Hoppe said.
"It seems to me like they were looking seriously at our concerns, especially about establishing a public committee," she said. "There are a lot of people in city government who like public input."
The propositions are sound utility management and planning, Watkins said.
"It takes years to implement most of these, and assured funding is critical if we are to stay ahead of demand," he said. "I believe Columbia will continue to grow, and if sewers are not available, developers will get permits for lagoons and package plants that will discharge into streams.
"Lack of funds to extend sewers will not stop or really even slow our community's growth, but will cause additional expense in the future to fix what we should have done in the first place."
The bonds will not increase taxes, according to the City of Columbia's Web site about the propositions. They will be paid for by the customers who use the services. The average water rate price will increase by 56 cents a month. The waste-water rate will on average increase 55 cents a month.
Watkins said though the feedback received has been supportive overall, a low turnout is expected.