The Maryville City Council gave a green light to a project to replace all of the city’s water meters, so water bills may be going up for many customers of the city utility, even though rates are not increasing.

The contractor, Schneider Electric, says the city is only billing its customers about 90% of what they owe. With the new, modernized water meters, officials say they can increase revenues by about $7.8 million over the next 15 years.

Officials say $3.6 million of that will be paid to Schneider. City staff told the council that the significant expenses will soon come due for the city’s drinking water system, and that collecting the additional revenue will be help them pay for them.

The new meters will also allow the city to read water meters remotely, from a central location, providing additional savings.

The City Council on Monday also agreed to place on the ballot a 5% bed tax on local hotels. If voters approve, the funds would help pay for a proposed special events center on campus at Northwest Missouri State.