Truck Purchase From Florissant Sewer Lateral Fund Questioned

The ’s use of sewer lateral funds to purchase a salt truck raised some questions from a concerned resident.

The to purchase a truck using money from the tax fund that’s established to insure homeowners against sewer lateral failures that can cost thousands of dollars. The truck would replace out-of-date equipment.

Florissant residents Michael and Elizabeth O’Fallon brought the proposed purchase to the attention of .

“My wife and I have been clear with Mr. Eagan that we are not accusing anyone of knowingly or underhandedly misappropriating funds, but it's things like this that are red flags to members of the general public and make us question whether everything is being represented properly,” O’Fallon said.

Missouri law states, “The funds collected pursuant to such ordinance shall be deposited in a special account to be used solely for the purpose of paying for all or a portion of the costs reasonably associated with and necessary to administer and carry out the defective lateral sewer service line repairs.”

Mayor Tom Schneider said the truck is actually a dump truck with a salt spreader accessory package. The mayor said that it’s cheaper to purchase the package.

“We always buy them with the plow, the spreader, the calcium tanks and the hazard lights,” he said. “There are occasions during winter months when we have to flush the sewer lines. If it’s freezing, we have to salt them down. We are just being prudent.”  

A question remained whether, by law, the truck would have to be used specifically for sewer projects, or whether it can serve as part of the Public Works Department’s general road clearing duties.

Ward 4 Councilman Keith English said he believes the truck’s use would be limited.

“That’s something that we’ll have to monitor,” he said.

The mayor believes it’s possible, saying that he conferred with the and that the proper legal parameters were followed.

“We were confident that our accounting procedures have been sound,” he said. 

The sewer lateral fund is the source of some contention with city officials.

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The city currently projects the fund to have $2 million. It generates $800,000 annually.

More than $414,000 was spent from the fund in 2010, and more than $437,000 was spent in 2011.

If the tax was lowered to $28, the tax would continue to generate approximately $300,000 per year.