Water, wastewater and storm water rates have sharply increased in the last 10 years. Now, Mayor Sly James has appointed a task force to look at those rates and come up with a plan to fund nearly $5 billion in improvements to meet federal standards by 2035.
How did we get here?
In 2008 a committee was formed by previous Mayor Mark Funkhouser to come up with a plan to pay for the necessary improvements to the combined sewer system in Kansas City.
"That group's primary recommendation was to use water rates to pay for it," said Terry Leeds, director of Water Services in Kansas City.
Water rates for the average household have increased from about $40 a month 10 years ago. "The average bill come May 1 will be about $110 a month," Leeds said.
Why was the task force created?
“The availability of water and how we pay for it is not an issue that’s unique to Kansas City; it’s a conversation taking place in almost every city around the country. Let’s face it, water is essential to life in this country,” said James. “While Kansas City is extremely fortunate to have a reliable source of high-quality water, water impacts a variety of public health, infrastructure, and economic development issues that are important for Kansas City’s future. I’m proud of the work KC Water does each and every day to provide Kansas City with high-quality and great-tasting tap water, and I’m grateful the members of this group have volunteered their time to take a closer look at the water needs of today’s customers and future generations and the related financial impact.”
Who's on the task force?
Carol T. Adams - Kansas City Environmental Management Commission
Laura Alvarez - H&R Block, Director of Latino Operations
James Brox - Retired Economist, U.S. Dept. of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics
John Cottrell - UMKC School of Dentistry, Director of Minority & Special Programs
Pat Ertz - Jackson County #2, Wholesale Water Customer
Carl Evans - KCPS Board Member
Brenner Holland - Hunt Midwest
Jeff Krum - Boulevard Brewing Company, VP Corporate Affairs
Beth Low - KC Healthy Kids, VP Policy
Jan Marcason - Former Councilwoman & Chair of 2008 Cost of Service Task Force
Dave Mecklenburg - Kansas City, Missouri Parks Board Member
Katheryn Shields - Councilwoman, District 4 At-Large
John Rich - Mid-America Assistance Coalition, Executive Director
Jeff Thorn - Assistant Director of Engineering, Water Utilities, City of Lee's Summit
Scott Wagner - Mayor Pro Tem & Councilman, District 1 At-Large
What's the goal?
"What we want to do is get input from the public about how Kansas City should pay for those water services," said Leeds. "Now that rates are quite a bit higher, maybe we want to take a look at it and see if the city still wants to do it that way."
Where are customers impacted?
There are 58 square miles out of 318 in the city that have a combined sewer system. The boundaries are from the Missouri River to 85th Street and the state line to Blue River.
How can I get involved?
Visit KC Water Services' website for details on task force meetings and to check out the agenda.
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Dia Wall can be reached at dia.wall@kshb.com.
