Voters Decide 8/5/2025
100% of utility payments must used for the operation, maintenance, and capital improvements for that specific utility.
Voters will decide August 5, 2025 whether to improve water treatment and distribution while limiting annual water rate increases to 15% and only as needed (typically $4.71/month). The 2025 proposal would increase water rates slower than what was considered by voters in 2024.
The City’s source water has changed since switching from river to well water over ten years ago. The water is more challenging to treat which slows the treatment process. Many City water mains need to be replaced. Improving the distribution system will decrease main breaks and diminish the risk of boil water advisories. The City’s water needs have increased. Upgrading the Cape Rock Water Treatment Plant will allow the City to continue to produce the quantity of water required to meet the City’s needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is something wrong with the source water? The water has been more challenging to treat. There are naturally occurring substances that develop in our source water, which the water treatment plant routinely treats to remove. Environmental changes have slowed down the treatment process, limiting the flow through the plant.
What happens if the ballot issue does not pass? Shortages would be likely, and a quality decline would be possible. If voters decline the improvement plan and rate increase, we will still do emergency repairs. Over time, our system will become increasingly less reliable and we’ll need to consider water conservation.
How much will it cost? Significant improvements are already underway. During the next 7-8 years, the investment in plant and distribution improvements will be $56 million. Improvements expected to occur beyond 2033 exceed $64 million.
How much will my rates increase? The Charter amendment will slowly align rates with costs, without an increase over 15% in any one year (typically $4.71/month). Every year, as part of the budget process, Council votes to establish utility rates for the upcoming fiscal year.
The Year 1 rate increase is planned to be 10% if passed. Residential would see a monthly increase of $1.47-$5.58/month depending on usage. The 15% increases will continue for two years before reducing back to 5%. Use these charts to assess your potential water bill in upcoming years: Residential | Commercial
Voter Education Events
WARD 2 Voter Education Event
July 14, 2025 at the Shawnee Center at 5:30 p.m.
Meet with your city staff, officials and volunteers to discuss water needs in Cape Girardeau. Meet and greet at 5:30 p.m., followed by a 6 p.m. presentation. Hosted by Ward 2 Representative Tameka Randle
COMING TO A CIVIC CLUB NEAR YOU!
Ongoing through Aug. 4
Staff, officials, and volunteers are meeting with small groups to discuss water needs in Cape Girardeau until Election Day Aug. 5. Schedule your small group presentation by calling 573-339-6391 or by emailing us.
VIRTUAL PRESENTATION
Available Now Online
Visit youtube.com/cityofcape to watch a recorded presentation.
TOUR THE WATER PLANT
Call us to schedule, typically Friday afternoons. 573-334-6747