MOKANE - An important step in the effort to fix Mokane's water and sewer systems was decided by 27 people Tuesday night.
Voters approved a $2,469,692.40 bond issue to fund an overhaul of the city's decades-old systems - something the Missouri Department of Natural Resources has said needs to happen.
"We had a feeling it was going to pass," Mayor Pro-Tem Chad Booher said. "But it was still nerve-wracking."
Twenty people voted in favor, while seven voted against. Voter turnout in Mokane was nearly 24 percent of registered voters.
"We had to get this passed - it's the real first step," Booher said.
DNR has been trying to enforce water regulations in Mokane for more than 15 years, since before the city even controlled the water system. In 2018, the city took over from the Mokane Water Co-op - that same year saw considerable turnover and a number of resignations from local leaders.
Two years and many discussions later, the plan to fix the systems includes putting in new water lines and meters and switching to a low-pressure sewer system.
The city has already begun work on the water meters using local funds.
The city now has a better chance of accessing grants and state and federal loan programs with low interest rates and long-term repayment structures - factors that will help lower costs.
On Thursday, the city was focused on taking the next steps - talking with bond attorneys and DNR. Soon, the city will continue working on securing loans and grants and securing cost estimates.
"We're not wasting any time," Booher said.