Council adopts wastewater and stormwater user fee increases to fund regulatory and capital needs

Springfield’s City Council on May 20 adopted a resolution setting new user rates for local stormwater and wastewater services and ratified a regional rate increase adopted by the Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission.

Matt Stouter, the city’s environmental services director and executive director of the MWMC, told council the proposal before the city was to implement a 5% increase for local stormwater, a 5% increase for local wastewater, and a 5.5% regional wastewater increase adopted by the MWMC board. Stouter said the adjustments, effective July 1, 2026, are meant to fund operations, required regulatory investments and an adopted capital program.

"The user fees before council this evening for public hearing include a local storm water increase of 5%, a local wastewater increase of 5% and a regional wastewater increase of 5.5%," Stouter said during his presentation.

Council deliberations acknowledged the regulatory drivers and operational pressures but revealed differing views on resident impacts. Councilor Rodley said he would oppose the measure because a 5% increase in the current economy is too steep for ordinary residents; Councilor Stout said he would support the resolution but with reservations.

With no public speakers for the fee hearing, Councelor Weber moved to adopt the resolution establishing the user rates as set forth in the Springfield Municipal Code. The motion passed in roll call with four yeses and two nos.

The new local and regional rates are scheduled to take effect July 1, 2026. Staff said the fees will help fund ongoing compliance work, facility operations and capital investments to meet forthcoming permitting requirements.