Wastewater Bond Issue on Today's Ballot

by Jeff Wright

Hermann residents are to decide Tuesday if they want the city of Hermann to issue $6.25 million in revenue bonds so it can more cost-effectively improve its aging sewer infrastructure.

Proposition S is the only proposition on Tuesday’s ballot. Voting is from 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Ward 1 residents can vote in the community room of the Gasconade County Historical Society, 315 Schiller Street. Ward 2 polling takes place at Hermann Middle School, 164 Blue Pride Drive, off Hwy. 100 West.

According to city Public Works Director Rick Palmer, the revenue bonds would allow the city to access low interest loans from the State Revolving Fund, which would be paid back from sewer system revenues. The result could be a $19 per month increase in sewer rates for Hermann residents, the city estimates. If the bond issue does not pass, the city would have to secure another method of financing, possibly at a higher interest rate. This could result in steeper monthly sewer rates for city residents; $25 versus $19, the city approximates.

In either case, the city says the sewer improvements are mandated by the EPA and the Missouri Department of National Resources, and must be made regardless of the financing method.