Glasgow residents will see higher water and sewer rates on their bills starting next month.

At their meeting Monday, March 10, the Board of Aldermen gave final approval to the rate increases, which will see the base rate for both services increase by four dollars, 33 cents per month. City administrator Robert Snider tells KMMO News that the city was falling behind in keeping up with the costs to maintaining both systems, as the board had only increased rates once in the past 15 years. He added that after discussions with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and bonding firms that work the city, the board found it necessary to “rip off that Band-Aid” and enact the increase. The new rates take effect April 1.

Also at Monday’s meeting, the board approved an ordinance granting a waiver from the pilot tax to the Glasgow Housing Authority. The waiver is renewed annually and is contingent on the agency keeping its community room available for public use. The board also presented a contract to the senior center for continued use of a city facility. Snider says he anticipates the center signing the agreement before the next Board of Aldermen meeting, scheduled for April 14.