Miles SmithThis article was written using information found in the National Bond Report from Strategic Partnerships, Inc. This comprehensive report features information on every public entity planning to hold a bond election. To purchase this report, click here.
On February 4, voters in Maryville, Missouri, will decide on a proposed $50 million bond issue to fund the construction of a new water treatment plant.
The current plant, built in 1958, treats surface water from Mozingo Lake but struggles with challenges caused by algal blooms, which produce taste and odor issues.
Maryville plans to address this by building a modern water treatment plant with an advanced ozone-biofiltration treatment process.
The plant would be the first of its kind in Missouri, said City Manager Greg McDaniel, who added that the city had been working with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources as well as preparing and submitting documents necessary for construction.
With voter approval on Feb. 4, the city would move to appoint a construction manager by Feb. 24. Construction would tentatively begin in January 2026.
Details of the project would include:
- Building the new plant and facilities.
- Upgrading the raw water intake structure and pump station.
- Improving raw water piping.
- Installing a new finished water transmission main with connections to the existing distribution system.
- Decommissioning, demolishing or repurposing the old plant.
If the bonds are not approved, the city said it would explore other tax-exempt financing options that do not require voter approval.
Without the ability to construct a new water treatment plant, the city will face significant expenses to maintain the existing facility, according to an analysis by an engineering firm the city contracted. Replacement of filtration membranes in 2027 is projected to cost between $7 million and $10 million.
Ongoing maintenance would also be needed on a granular activated carbon absorber installed in 2002 to reduce taste and odor compounds. The feature requires carbon media replacement every two years at a cost of $400,000, the city said.
Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash
