VIENNA — Water dominated the conversation on Dec. 8 as aldermen approved option one over option two for both drinking water and wastewater rates. Option one increases citizens’ water bill by roughly $22 per bill, said Mayor Tim Schell. This move sets the stage for an increase in residents’ monthly water bills. 

City Clerk Tracy Shiver said the board’s decision triggers the next step in the process, which is holding a public hearing in Feb. where residents can respond to the proposed structure.

Last month, Valerie Main of the Missouri Rural Water Association guided the board through the details of each rate model before the vote. Option one proposed raising every water bill by the same amount across the city. Option two would base rates on usage, meaning families and businesses could pay significantly more than single households.

After weeks of reviewing the possibilities, the aldermen ultimately chose option one for both systems. Before voting, they were provided with packets detailing both water options to ensure they fully understood what was being decided.

Alderman Ken Dixon said option one was the right move after reviewing the rate information, telling the board it offered the most practical path forward based on the city’s needs.

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

Public Works Director Shon Westart echoed Dixon’s remarks and said the changes were overdue and necessary to stabilize the system for the long term.

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

In addition to the water and sewer rates discussion, representatives from Bartlett and West briefed the board on early plans for a new water tower that could be built outside the city. Blake Wilbers, primary representative, told aldermen that Vienna could connect to the tower strictly as an emergency backup should the city’s primary tanks fail.

Wilbers said the idea is still in a design stage but worth exploring, especially since Vienna would face several weeks of work if forced to drill a new well. While the option had strength, Westart stressed one concern.

“The biggest thing for me is spending the money and not owning it,” Westart said.

Aldermen were informed of the fact that the city would pay a share of the water tower’s cost but not control it outright. The district’s planning estimates place the new tank somewhere between $275,000 and $400,000 gallons, if Quaker enters the project, according to Wilbers.

Westart informed the board that the city currently relies on two tanks that hold about 225,000 gallons combined, and has pushed for an emergency backup source for years. However, Westart and Dixon raised questions about construction costs as something of this magnitude usually has a high price tag.

“In my opinion, the emergency backup is a yes,” Westart said. “With that, if we put all of our eggs into this basket, just drilling a well is a million plus.”

Board members learned they have about six months to decide whether they want to participate in the project. No action was taken.

Grants were brought up in the discussion to see if the city could get help to pay for any improvement to the water tower. Before the conversation ended, Westart said the city will be able to apply for multiple grants involving the water supply because the rates are going up and the city is small.

After finishing the water discussion, the board moved on to the remainder of its agenda. An ordinance update on disorderly properties was reviewed, but sent back to the city attorney after City Clerk Tracy Shiver reported that part of page six was incomplete. 

Aldermen looked into insurance renewal, where cybersecurity protection became the focus. Shiver presented a new plan for $1,548.74 per year that carries up to one million dollars of cyber coverage. Dixon said the rate looked fair and reminded the board that Vienna stores sensitive information that would need to be protected in the event of a breach.

“We do need some protection,” Dixon said. “Or basically our tails will be flapping in the breeze if we ever get hacked and personal information is lost.”

The board voted to approve the new cybersecurity coverage.

The 45-minute meeting concluded when the board voted to adjourn to closed session.