The Missouri-American Water company has backed off plans to double water rates in St. Joseph. Customers in the area will still see bills increase 37%, or an average of nearly $6.50 per month. Missouri-American is trying to pay for a new, $70 million dollar water plant. The company originally asked for a 50% increase for all of its customers in Missouri to pay for the plant. Customers outside St. Joseph objected to paying for a plant that serves one city and the Public Service Commission killed the idea. Instead, businesses and rural customers could see rates soar. Court appeals are planned because the new arrangement differs from the original proposal.
