MSD Moves to Postpone Proposition Y Election

Update:  Since this news release was originally issued, the State of Missouri postponed the April 7 election until June 2, and Circuit Court judges in the City of St. Louis and St. Louis County reviewed and ruled on MSD’s request to postpone the Proposition Y election.  Proposition Y was removed from the ballot in the City of St. Louis.  Proposition Y remains on the ballot in St. Louis County, but the votes will not be tabulated.  The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District remains committed to putting Proposition Y back on the ballot in 2021.

(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.