VIENNA — Vienna Board of Aldermen approved new water and sewer rates Feb. 9 following a public hearing, officially setting updated utility costs for city residents.

Under the approved structure, the water base rate will increase from $20 to $31.75, while the sewer base rate will rise from $8 to $10. Utility accounts receiving both services will experience an increase of $13.75 combined. City officials said the adjustment is necessary to maintain eligibility for grants and outside funding, noting rates had not increased for several years.

The public hearing allowed residents an opportunity to comment before the board moved forward with a final vote later in the evening. Aldmerman Fred Shiver said the public hearing was just what citizens needed to hear.

“The increase will allow the city to be able to apply for grants to do with the water and sewer and to upgrade the water and sewer systems here,” Shiver said. “I think we had a good turnout at the public hearing. We had a lot of feedback from it, and I think a lot of people after the hearing, understood where the city stood on why the increase was needed.”

Shiver also said that the turnout was around 10-15 people who were in attendance.

Discussion about water rate increases began in December, when aldermen voted to move forward with increasing the base for both drinking water and wastewater systems. Mayor Tim Schell previously said it would increase citizens’ water bills by roughly $22 per billing cycle and would help prepare for long-term infrastructure needs.

At earlier meetings, Valerie Main of the Missouri Rural Water Association reviewed two options with the board. Option one would increase the water and sewer rates equally across all utility accounts, while option two would have based rates on usage, potentially creating higher costs for larger households and businesses. After reviewing detailed information packets, aldermen selected the flat-rate option as the most practical approach.

Alderman Ken Dixon supported the decision during prior discussion.

“After looking at this, I think we need to go with option one,” Dixon said.

Public Works Director Shon Westart also voiced support, saying improvements were necessary to stabilize the system long-term.

“I think that’s a wise idea,” Westart said.