Osage Beach approves funding transfers for sewer odor controls and related equipment
Summary
Council approved resolutions and budget amendments to cover odor-control measures and anticipated sewer expenses after testing microbial treatments and equipment needs.
The Board approved a resolution and related budget adjustments on Aug. 7 to transfer funds for sewer system operating and odor-control expenses tied to recently adopted odor-control methods. Public Works Director Jeff Fisher told the board the city is using a microbiological treatment approach in parts of the sewer system and has purchased Vapex units for targeted locations; staff expects annual sewer-related spending to be roughly $110,000 this year.
Fisher said the city is still learning the new system and may run both microbial treatments and the Vapex units where appropriate: "The bugs is the big solution. Vapex, it's very specific to a location," he said. The board approved Resolution 2025-24 to transfer funds to cover anticipated sewer expenditures and passed Bill 25-65, amending the 2025 operating budget for the transfers.
Aldermen asked about residual odor events and the potential for recurring costs. Fisher acknowledged that occasional odors could occur after failures or pump issues but said the new system had already reduced problems. Alderman Collins said performance has "gotten substantially better" but accepted occasional issues could remain.
The board approved the transfers to ensure sufficient funds for the remainder of the year. Fisher estimated a slightly higher potential expense next year and said staff will continue to monitor system performance while refining the treatment approach.

