The Holts Summit Board of Aldermen voted Tuesday to continue waiving utility disconnections and late fees for the month of May.
The board also discussed a proposed sewer rate increase during Tuesday's virtual meeting.
Holts Summit has been trying to update its sewer system for years, an effort that has finally gotten some momentum this spring. In order to meet U.S. Department of Agriculture requirements, the city will have to raise sewer rates. The USDA is a large source of funding for the project.
"I know no one wants to hear sewer rates have to go up, but unfortunately, to meet our contract, it's mandatory that we do this," City Administrator Hanna Lechner said.
The city will hold a public hearing sometime next month for residents to ask questions and raise any concerns before the board votes on the increase.
Recycling was also discussed - Holts Summit closed its public recycling bins months ago, citing misuse. Since then the city has searched for a solution, with some residents upset with the loss of the bins.
Lechner told the board a county partnership for recycling is not likely. Instead, she explained, Republic Services could introduce curbside recycling, but it would have to be mandatory for all residents.
"So every house, every trailer house, everybody who has a trash can with Republic Services will be mandated to have recycling as well," Lechner said. "Now they don't have to use it, but they're going to get it can and they're going to get charged for it."
The board did not like this option.
"I don't think I'll ever be in favor of that," board member Chris Redel said, referring to the mandatory part of the solution.