Wright City is asking voters April 3 to decide if the city can sell its water and sewer systems to a neighboring public entity, Public Water Supply District No. 2 (PWSD 2) of St. Charles County.The sale would include the network of pipes, pumps, wells, water towers and wastewater treatment facility that serve Wright City customers, along with the land those facilities are located on.PWSD 2 has agreed to pay $10.5 million for the facilities and has a contract with the city for the purchase, pending approval by voters.Below are common questions about the proposed sale. Answers are taken from public meetings and information distributed by Wright City and PWSD 2.Who gets to vote on Prop U?Only residents within the boundaries of Wright City will be able to vote on Prop U. Notably, water and sewer customers who live outside the city will not see the proposition on their election ballots.Why is the city proposing to sell its water and sewer systems?Wright City’s sewer treatment facility does not meet all standards set by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. City officials said the standards have become more stringent over the past several years.Upgrading the sewer system to meet current standards would cost $3 million to $5 million.The city’s water system is also reaching its capacity due to population growth. Citizens already experience problems with water pressure, especially when there is a main break or fire. Additional wells and water towers would be needed to handle future growth.If sold, the city’s water and sewer systems would be connected to PWSD 2’s existing systems, which are in compliance with DNR and have unused capacity.Will PWSD 2 take over the stormwater systems?No. Wright City will maintain control of the city’s stormwater drainage systems.How many votes does Prop U need to pass?Two-thirds of participating voters must vote yes for the sale to be approved.Will my water and sewer bills change?If the water and sewer utilities are sold, PWSD 2 will lock in current billing rates for five years. After five years, all Wright City customers would be merged into PWSD 2’s existing rate structure.The rate freeze would also include current customers outside the city limits, who pay significantly higher rates. PWSD 2 officials indicated it would be unlikely for those customers’ rates to be reduced before five years.City officials have said that if the utilities are not sold, they will have no choice but to significantly raise rates for all customers in order to pay for state-mandated sewer upgrades, along with future new water distribution facilities.What do PWSD 2 customers currently pay?The water district’s billing rates can be found on its website, waterdistrict2.com. Click “Fee Schedule” in the “Additional Links” menu at the right side of the webpage.Most customers pay an average of $39 per month for water and $33 per month for sewer, said PWSD 2 engineer Matt Jaspering.What would proceeds from the sale be used for?The $10.5 million would be used to pay off about $2.2 million of existing debt from past upgrades to the sewer system. After that, city officials want to use the money for parks, streets and other infrastructure projects.In January, Wright City’s Board of Aldermen approved a contract to purchase 62 acres of land for almost $1.2 million, but only if the utility systems sell. Officials also want to pay for repairs and upgrades to existing parks. City staff is currently reviewing existing parks and facilities to determine any needed improvements.Street and sidewalk projects would be another target for the funds. Priorities for repair are yet to be determined. The city plans to seek qualifications for a company to do a street study assessing the current conditions of the streets.How would the quality of customer service change?PWSD 2 has a large staff that solely operates and maintains water and sewer systems. The water district has staff for emergency response calls, and strives to return all customer service calls within 24 hours. The district also has a program to assist customers who are struggling to pay their utility bills.What would happen to the city’s employees?The city’s current public works employees would continue with a variety of other duties, including maintaining the city’s streets, stormwater systems and parks.Could I still pay bills in person?Customers could pay in person at PWSD 2’s main office in O’Fallon. Locally, bills will still be accepted through the drop box at Wright City Hall. Customers would also be able to pay online or electronically through their bank.Who runs PWSD 2?PWSD 2 is run by a publicly elected board of directors, similar to a school district or emergency services agency. If Wright City’s water and sewer utilities are purchased, current customers would become eligible to vote in elections for PWSD 2’s board of directors.When would PWSD 2 take over the system?If voters approve the sale of the utilities, PWSD 2 would likely take over the systems in June 2018.Would current customers have to pay new service deposits?No, existing Wright City customers would not be charged new connection fees or be required to pay a deposit for service.Sewer