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Marshall Utilities Outlines 2025–26 Budget, Capital Projects and Small Internet Rate Increases
Summary
Marshall Municipal Utilities presented its 2025–26 operating and capital plan, including water main replacements, substation and wastewater equipment projects, a proposed $1.61 monthly average water-bill increase, and modest broadband rate increases to fund a new facility estimated at $6.3 million.
Marshall Municipal Utilities (MMU) officials presented the utility’s 2025–26 operating and capital budget to the Marshall City Council, highlighting multi-year infrastructure projects, a proposed modest water rate increase and small broadband price adjustments to fund a new IT and broadband facility.
An MMU representative told the council the utility manages water, wastewater and electric systems with infrastructure ranging from new to nearly 100 years old and outlined several major projects. The presentation identified a 12-inch water transmission main installed in 1945 that runs about 8.5 miles from the Malta Bend treatment plant to Marshall; the city is updating its water-system master plan with anticipated completion in November. The utility reported it secured $630,000 in grant-funded water-main materials to support upcoming replacement projects.
On electric infrastructure, MMU said it must replace 15,000-volt switchgear at the Miami 1 substation (installed in 1984) and is coordinating transformer replacements with MEC Energy Center; new switchgear is expected in 2027. At the wastewater treatment plant, MMU said the filter presses installed in 1993 require multiyear replacement and estimated that project at around $3,000,000; MMU plans to self-perform electrical work to reduce costs.
MMU also outlined revenue developments tied to the Missouri Public Utility Alliance project and anticipated capacity-credit changes. The presentation said capacity payments the utility receives could rise from roughly $1,500 per megawatt to $5,500 per megawatt, although implementation timing by the pool remains uncertain.
To address rising operating and capital costs, MMU proposed adding $1.61 a month to the average residential water bill. The utility did not present a final vote on rate changes at the meeting; the figures were presented as part of the budget discussion.
MMU described growth in its locally owned broadband operation and plans for a dedicated facility on the site of the old power plant. Initial estimates for the new IT and broadband facility were $6,300,000; MMU said it plans to begin architect work in October with anticipated completion in mid to late 2027. Because MMU has not raised broadband rates since launching service, staff proposed small monthly increases for customers: tier 1 from $30 to $31.50, tier 2 from $45 to $47.25 and tier 3 from $70 to $73.50. The presenter said the budget conservatively does not assume new revenues from the Marshall Energy Center project until they are realized.
Council then moved to adopt the MMU 2025–26 budget ordinance; roll call votes for that ordinance were recorded as affirmative. The discussion included questions about conservative budgeting and requests for additional financial detail.
Action taken: Council approved the MMU operating budget ordinance for 2025–26 (roll call recorded as yes responses); no final rate ordinance for water or broadband was adopted at the meeting.
