Springfield cites ‘significant interests’ in utilities purchase

While the city is not taking a position on the sale, it has filed the application with the Missouri Public Service Commission to make clear its “significant interests” in the sale, according to a city news release.

Meadows Water Co. serves about 1,115 water customers and 278 sewer customers in a 32.5-square-mile service area south of Willard.

Some Springfield-owned property used by the Springfield-Branson National Airport is located within Meadows Water Co.’s service area, and other property used for the airport is immediately adjacent. Parts of the Meadows Water Co. area also reach Springfield’s Urban Service Area, where the city has committed to providing sewer infrastructure and road improvements.

In addition, Springfield provides utility services and has built public infrastructure for public water, gas, electric and sewer utilities for the airport and parts of the Meadows Water Co. service area.

Springfield also has a contract through 2024 to provide sewage treatment services to Willard and has the capacity for an area three times the size of Willard.

“If permitted to become a party to the case, (Springfield) will carefully evaluate how its interests would be affected by the proposed sale, report back to the City Council and then proceed in the case accordingly,” according to the release.