Public Infrastructure and Utilities Committee Meeting - January 15, 2026

The Public Infrastructure and Utilities Committee met on January 15, 2026 (though the transcript indicates Wednesday, January 14; see note at end) to approve minutes, consider Board Bill 115 for flood wall repairs, and receive a presentation from the Water Division on its financial condition and infrastructure needs. The committee approved the minutes of December 10, 2025, and passed Board Bill 115 with a do-pass recommendation. The Water Division’s presentation highlighted a projected depletion of its contingent fund, rising costs, aging infrastructure, and the need for rate adjustments. Sandra Padgett of the Consumers Council of Missouri urged the adoption of a transparent rate review process. Committee members expressed support for the Water Division’s efforts and emphasized the urgency of investing in infrastructure and exploring long-term financial strategies.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of minutes from December 10, 2025, passed unanimously (6 ayes).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Sandra Padgett (Executive Director, Consumers Council of Missouri): Urged the committee to adopt a clear, formal, and transparent rate review process before considering any rate increases. She noted that past rate increases were passed with limited public participation and that residents deserve an open and accountable process. She also highlighted the availability of a customer assistance program and expressed willingness to work with the water division and the board.

Discussion Items

• Board Bill 115 – Flood Wall Repair Funding: Chair Browning (sponsor) introduced the bill to allocate $5 million from the city to match state funds for repairing the Mississippi River flood wall. The work includes pump tests, debris clearing, well testing, valve replacements, and condition assessments. The Streets Department is responsible for maintenance and will contract out the work. Committee members asked about preventive maintenance schedules and the scope of work. The bill was advanced with a do-pass recommendation.
• Water Division Financial Presentation: Director Patel (Director of Public Utilities) and his staff presented an update on the financial state of the water division. Key points included:
  • The division serves a system designed for 1 million people with a population under 300,000, placing a burden on ratepayers.
  • The contingent fund (reserve) is projected to be depleted by end of fiscal year.
  • Seven consecutive years of deficits due to rising costs (main breaks, staffing, chemicals, inflation) and lagging revenue.
  • 399 main breaks in 2025, the highest in seven years, costing an average of $13,000 per repair.
  • Chemical costs increased 73% since 2018.
  • The division has identified 63 critical main replacement projects (16.5 miles) at an estimated cost of $28 million, plus pump replacements at $10.4 million.
  • The division has a very low debt load (~$5 million) compared to peers.
  • Current water rates are $2.62 per CCF (hundred cubic feet), far below St. Louis County ($7.76), Kansas City ($6+), and others.
  • Over 16,000 accounts are delinquent, owing a total of $14 million.
  • A rate sufficiency study is underway, expected to complete in March 2026.
  • The division is resuming shutoffs but offers assistance programs (over $840,000 remaining in a $1 million ARPA-funded pot).
  • The division is investing in capital projects and staffing to address leaks and breaks, reducing water loss and chemical usage.
• Committee Response:
  • Members (Clark Hubbard, Devoty, Cox Antoine, Schweitzer, Browning) thanked the director for the presentation and his team’s responsiveness.
  • Several members stressed the need for significant infrastructure investment, higher rates to cover costs, and greater transparency in rate-setting.
  • Alderwoman Schweitzer argued that the water division should take on more debt to fund long-term capital needs, noting that its current debt ($5 million) is far too low compared to the scale of the system.
  • Chair Browning noted the inefficiency of delaying investment, as costs rise over time.
  • Alderman Devoty agreed that revenues are not covering costs and that residents benefit from an exceptionally low rate that is unsustainable.
  • Members committed to working with the water division and administration to secure funding and improve processes.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes Approved: The minutes of December 10, 2025, were approved unanimously.
• Board Bill 115 Passed: The committee moved a do-pass recommendation for Board Bill 115 (funding for flood wall repair). The bill was embanked and passed on a unanimous voice vote.
• Water Division Presentation Received: The committee acknowledged the presentation and discussed next steps, including the need for a transparent rate review process and potential capital funding.
• Ongoing Rate Study: Director Patel committed to presenting the results of the upcoming rate sufficiency study to the committee.
• Call for Transparency: Sandra Padgett’s request for a formal rate review process received support from committee members, who stated their commitment to open and accountable processes.

Note on Date Discrepancy: The source transcript states that the meeting occurred on Wednesday, January 14, but the provided meeting date for this summary is January 15, 2026, per instruction. The discrepancy is noted.