(March 17, 2020) – The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD) is taking steps to postpone the Proposition Y election on April 7, 2020. The Board of Trustees unanimously approved the move Monday night, at the recommendation of MSD staff. Any MSD-requested change affecting the April 7 ballot is subject to approval by Circuit Court judges in the City of St. Louis and St. Louis County.
Several factors were weighed in the Board of Trustees’ decision, including public concern about the COVID-19 pandemic, warnings from public health officials to avoid large groups, and emergency declarations in every jurisdiction that covers MSD’s service area. Additionally, with St. Louis County leaders seeking to delay the April 7 election, and the election still scheduled for April 7 in the City of St. Louis, there is uncertainty about the date itself.
Proposition Y, which will determine how MSD funds $1.58 billion worth of capital improvements over the next four years, will still be decided by voters in the City of St. Louis and St. Louis County, most likely in April, 2021. Postponing the election will have no impact on wastewater rates in 2020 or 2021.
MSD does not anticipate the COVID-19 pandemic will impact wastewater or stormwater services. We are in regular communication with peer utilities in areas of the country that are most affected by COVID-19, and are confident in our ability to maintain essential services in the weeks or months ahead.