Frustration was evident among Truesdale city leaders last week as they discussed ways to keep the city’s growth spurt alive after a major setback. 

After being informed that the Warrenton sewage treatment plant won’t be able to serve Truesdale’s continued growth, elected officials are considering alternate sources of sewer service.

Aldermen in Warrenton this month denied use of their sewage treatment plant to serve a proposed development for 800 to 1,000 new residents in Truesdale. Warrenton cited shrinking sewage capacity available at the plant, which Truesdale also pays to use.

More than potentially losing one development, Truesdale was informed that no new sewer extensions would be approved there until the treatment plant is expanded, likely by 2027, according to a letter sent by Warrenton city administrators.

In response, Truesdale aldermen said they refuse to wait around for sewer service in the middle of a major housing boom.

“We can’t just stay stagnant for five to seven years. That’s crippling the growth of Truesdale,” said Alderman Robert Green. “We’ve been chipping in for this growth (in the area), and now we’re not seeing any of the benefits, because we’re not able to grow.”

Mayor Chris Watson said he is now exploring alternates for sewer service, either through a small treatment system or a separate service provider.

“Public Water Supply District 2, which just took over Wright City — I think we need to reach out to them,” Watson said. 

Alternatively, Faith Christian Family Church has its own small sewer system adjacent to the proposed development, which Watson hopes could be expanded and shared.

“Maybe we could start that development over there for a couple years,” he suggested, until more sewage capacity comes online in Warrenton.

“There’s several options out there. The option that we’re not going to take is to not do anything,” Watson said.

Unfortunately, those options could cost the city a substantial amount of money, Watson predicted. He said he hopes to identify grant funding that could help.

Alderman Mike Thomas suggested it might be time to start making plans for Truesdale to become completely independent for sewer service, or at least less dependent on its neighbor.

“That’s not saying we can’t cooperate,” Thomas added. “My main thing is the communication. ... I wouldn’t mind all the board members getting together and hashing it out.”