Smithville reviews two decades of water and sewer work, impact fees and capacity limits as major projects loom

City of Smithville staff reviewed about 20 years of water and wastewater projects, rate changes and development impact-fee revenue during a work session, and outlined capacity constraints and large capital projects that will drive near‑term borrowing.

Cynthia, a city staff member, opened the session saying the presentation would “examine the history of our projects and rates” to set the stage for future planning. Rick, a city staff member who presented historical and financial data, and Jack, a city staff member who addressed development and capacity, led the discussion.

City staff told the council the city has shifted in recent years from a largely reactive maintenance approach to a proactive replacement and rehabilitation program. Rick said the city began tracking major projects and borrowing more actively after long periods (roughly 2004–2016) with limited capital work. He identified three recent project “bumps”: the south interceptor (sewer) in 2017–2018, a raw‑water pump project in 2020–2021, and a concentrated push on projects tied to the 2018 Water Master Plan and the 2021 Wastewater Master Plan beginning in 2023–2024.

The presentation broke out water and wastewater rates and showed a structural change implemented in February 2014: a fixed monthly charge plus a usage rate per 1,000 gallons. Rick said the fixed portion supports operations while the usage portion is “pegged for capital projects.” Water impact fees were…