Columbia Council OKs final design work for Henderson Branch sewer extension, sets connection fee plan

The Columbia City Council voted to authorize staff to proceed with final design and to establish a special connection fee for a proposed sanitary sewer extension to serve the Henderson Branch watershed, a city staff public hearing and discussion showed on May 19.

Erin Keyes, interim utilities director, told the council this project would construct roughly 10,000 linear feet of 15- to 21-inch sewer pipe and serve about 14–15 acres around the I‑70/Highway 40 Midway area. “The estimated work for the project is $5,400,000 to be paid from sewer utility funds with reimbursement of these costs through special connection fees charged to the properties as they connect to the sewer,” Keyes said during her staff report.

The proposal includes a mechanism for property-specific special connection fees so current ratepayers do not bear the full cost if some properties decline to connect. Keyes said property owners would pay the special connection fee only if they choose to annex to the city and connect; staff will also coordinate with Boone County Regional Sewer District and MoDOT as the plan is finalized.

Why it matters: Council and staff said the sewer extension would reduce discharges to local waterways by removing at least two non‑city treatment facilities that together discharge about 17,500 gallons per day into Henderson Branch, which flows to Perchey Creek. The extension was identified in prior sewer master plans and in the voter‑approved 2013 sewer bond ballot initiative. Supporters said sewer service also enables economic activity and housing options in the area.

Council members pressed staff on costs, floodplain impacts and whether the project would reduce money available for ongoing sewer rehabilitation work. Keyes said the sewer utility has been spending at least $2.7 million per year on rehabilitation since 2015 and that staff believes the rehabilitation program can continue if this extension moves forward, noting the city has significant cash reserves and unsold bond authority that could also fund construction if needed.

Public comment at the hearing included property owners and business operators in the Midway area. Joe Bechtold, owner of the Midway Truck Stop, said, “I think in my opinion … property owners out there are very positive about this extension.” Tim Rost, owner of Midway Golf and Games, said the extension could unlock commercial development and “a lot of revenue for the City of Columbia.”

Council concerns and conditions: Councilmember Valerie (first name used in the meeting) emphasized floodplain issues and said annexation of properties within the floodplain is a key concern. Keyes replied the design raises the pipe elevation to meet DNR standards and that annexation would be required for property connections in the area where the pipe is extended.

Formal action: Mayor Buffalo moved to authorize staff to proceed with final design and to establish a special connection fee; the motion was seconded by Councilmember Betsy (first name used in the meeting) and carried on a voice/roll call vote (recorded tally: 10 in favor). The motion directs staff to finalize design, pursue easements and coordinate with Boone County Regional Sewer District and MoDOT, while recovering costs through special connection fees as properties annex and connect.

What remains: Staff estimated the design work and easement acquisition could be finalized after coordination with MoDOT and a more final interchange plan is anticipated in December; staff said not all project costs are expected to be recovered if some properties never annex and connect. Key details — including which properties ultimately connect and the pace of annexations — remain to be determined.