Confluence Rivers Utility Operating Company Inc., based in St. Ann, has recently been authorized by the Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) to purchase the assets of sewer and water systems in seven counties in Missouri, including that of the formerly incorporated town of Eugene in Cole County.
PSC has said that this sale will not have any negative effect on any of the systems, including that of Eugene. The Commission drew attention to Confluence Rivers’ track record in this area, and stressed that Confluence will work to maintain the current water and sewer rates. Several types of printing services can be used to inform residents of such a change in service the benefits they may gain from it.
Confluence Rivers works to help underserved communities reach and maintain water or wastewater facilities that are compliant with federal and state regulatory agencies
Eugene became unincorporated in 1997 and the county has been trying to sell its water service since then. As there are only 41 customers in its system, many of whom do not pay for the service, it has been losing money and its infrastructure has become in need of repair.
The Cole County Commission had set aside money for operation of the water service in Eugene but that money, if not used, can go towards paying off any debt the system may have incurred.