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Salem council approves multiple ordinances on electric rates and extends sewer bond interim financing
Summary
On second readings, the council approved several ordinances setting electric service rates for residential, commercial and industrial customers (Bills 37‑24 through 37‑27) and approved Bill 37‑30 extending an interim sewerage system revenue bond (principal amount $400,000) for one year while DNR review continues.
The Salem City Council approved a package of ordinances on electric rates and authorized an extension of interim sewer financing during Monday's meeting.
On second reading the council approved Bill 37‑24, which sets electric service rates; Bill 37‑25, covering demand meters and rates for commercial customers; Bill 37‑26, establishing an employment incentive rate; and Bill 37‑27, addressing large industrial user rates. Council members raised no questions during the open discussion periods for the bills, and each ordinance passed on motion and vote.
The council also approved Bill 37‑30 by caption, an ordinance amending provisions of Ordinance 3608 to authorize issuance of a sewerage system revenue bond series 2024 in the principal amount of $400,000 and related documents. Finance staff explained the request is a one‑year extension of an interim bond taken to cover engineering and related expenses for phase 2B of sewer plant upgrades because the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has not yet signed off on construction plans and permits. The extension will allow the city to delay closing a main bond until project plans and bids are complete.
Vote at a glance: - Bill 37‑17 (water system change order): approved on second reading. - Bills 37‑24, 37‑25, 37‑26, 37‑27 (electric rates package): each approved on second reading. - Bill 37‑30 (sewerage revenue bond amendment; $400,000 interim extension): approved on motion.
Finance staff said DNR staffing constraints and a backlog of projects have delayed permit signoffs; the extension is for one year to allow the main bond to close after design and bidding are complete.
