Residents could see lower sewer bills starting Jan. 1 after city leaders approved a reduction in both the base rate and per-gallon sewer charges, trimming costs for customers while keeping the utility’s reserves on solid footing.The rate change was adopted at a recent Excelsior Springs City Council meeting following a required public hearing and a presentation from Public Works Director Chad Birdsong, who said the sewer fund is healthy enough to support the adjustment without jeopardizing maintenance of the system. Through the annual budgeting process, Birdsong said staff review water and sewer fees “to make sure we have adequate funds to maintain the distribution and collection system and maintain healthy reserves in each.”“It has been determined a rate decrease is warranted for the sewer fund,” said Birdsong.Under the new schedule, the monthly base charge for inside-city users will drop .40 cents, from $24.63 to $24.23. The consumpti...