Hillsboro residents will soon see higher rates on their water/sewer and trash bills.
The Hillsboro Board of Alderpersons approved a 1.5 percent increase on water/sewer utility payments, and an $8 monthly increase on residential trash pickup in a 5-0 vote on July 6.
Alderpersons Chris DeGeare (Ward 2), Nancy Maxwell (Ward 3) and Gerald Parrish (Ward 4) were absent from the meeting.
The last rate increase occurred in July 2024, where rates were increased by 3 percent.
Effective July 15, the current monthly water rate is $6.13 inside the city ($9.20 outside) per 1,000 gallons for up to 4,999 gallons; $6.89 inside the city ($10.36 outside) per 1,000 gallons for 5,000-9,999 gallons; $7.76 inside the city ($11.63 outside) per 1,000 gallons for 10,000-19,999 gallons; and $8.73 inside the city ($13.10 outside) per 1,000 gallons for 20,000 or more gallons.
The new monthly sewer service rate is $8.98 inside the city ($13.46 outside) per 1,000 gallons.
Public Works Operations Manager Dave Sarver said on June 5 that this adjustment allows the city to “keep pace with aging infrastructure, preventative maintenance and water systems innovation, while also accounting for increased material costs and other economic factors.”
Sarver said the water system serves 1,005 residential and 298 commercial customers as of the June billing cycle.
The Board of Alderpersons previously discussed the increases on June 1.
Alderperson Tim Polkinghorne (Ward 2) said the increases are small compared to the recent water/sewer rate hikes in the city of St. Louis.
During June, 9.8 million gallons of wastewater were output in Hillsboro. Also during June, 13.7 million gallons of water were produced, with 7.5 million gallons billed.
City officials said in a statement shared on social media that the trash collection charges have not been raised in over 10 years.
On July 10, Sarver said, “Republic (Services) has raised its rates over time due to the current market and that the city cannot subsidize the cost; therefore, the increase must be passed along to the customers.”
The previous monthly trash collection charge for residents was $17.98. The newly approved charge, which took effect on July 15, is $26.50. Those 65 and up may apply for a reduced charge at $25.17. Proof of age is required and may be provided by visiting Hillsboro City Hall, 101 Main St. or by emailing annmarie@hillsboromo.gov.
A second trash receptacle now costs an additional $5.30 a month. Bulk items are also $5.30 each.
For questions, contact 636-797-3334, ext. 2.
City Administrator Jason Daniel said there are 900 accounts in the city for residential trash disposal.
As of July 6, Daniel said, 19 seniors were signed up for the discount.
“I imagine that’s going to increase,” he said.
Other purchases
In other business, the city awarded several bids totaling $138,000 for road paving, asphalt repaving and concrete slab replacements.
During a special meeting on June 24, the Board of Alderpersons voted 6-0 to approve the purchases. Alderpersons Maxwell and Lisa Taylor (Ward 4) were absent from that meeting.
Hillsboro-based Schwalbert Bros. Asphalt Services was awarded a $13,097 contract to seal, stripe and fill cracks on Hillsboro Park Road.
Arnold-based Spencer Contracting was awarded a $68,500 contract to repave the asphalt on North and Sunset drives.
Imperial-based Meyer Contracting was awarded a $50,000 contract to replace 37 concrete slabs in the Hawks Pointe and Eagle Ridge subdivisions.
On July 6, the board voted 5-0 to rescind the bid from Meyer Contracting and approve the next lowest bid.
Hillsboro-based DW Contracting was awarded the new contract in the amount of $56,450.
The city received three other bids for the project from Royal Construction for $57,350, Smith & Sons for $71,350 and Kingsland Concrete for $68,376.
City Administrator Jason Daniel said Meyer Contracting did not meet the required 37 concrete slabs needing replacement outlined in the project specifications.
He said their quote, which was submitted to the city on June 4, only included 29 slabs.
The other three contractors, Daniel said, all met the requirements of 37 slabs in their bids.