The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District has made its 2003 Annual Report available on its web site at

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The MSD’s 2003 Annual Report is a Web-based document, specifically designed to be viewed and printed from the MSD’s web site. By going to a Web-based report — and producing only a limited number of print copies — the district was able to save about $50,000 in the report’s development and publishing, according to an MSD news release.

In announcing the availability of the MSD’s 2003 Annual Report, Acting Executive Director Jeffrey Theerman stated in the release, “As a public institution charged with the stewardship of vital community assets, MSD has an obligation to be open and accountable with its ratepayers on its operations and finances. This report is an important tool in that ongoing endeavor.”

Specific to the $50,000 in savings, Theerman explained, “The cost savings we realized by re-examining our approach to this important communications function is an example of the business culture that has taken hold at the district.”

The 2003 Annual Report is a narrative on the state of the district for the calendar year ending Dec. 31, 2003. Additionally, the report includes detailed financial and statistical information for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2003.

“We hope that the public will take the opportunity to review the 2003 Annual Report and learn more about MSD’s mission to provide sewer service and stormwater management to protect the public’s health and safety,” Theerman stated. “The district has undergone significant changes over the last year, and we want to help the public understand that we are an organization that is committed to serving its ratepayers and the metropolitan St. Louis community.”