Carterville, Missouri, officials acknowledge that poor recordkeeping, limited oversight and repeated staff turnover contributed to problems uncovered by a state audit. The citizen-requested audit gave Carterville a “fair” rating and found its water and sewer fund was in poor financial condition. Carterville completed a rate study in 2025 and later increased its base water and sewer rates. The audit also found Carterville paid about $3,600 in employee bonuses in November 2023 in violation of the Missouri Constitution. City officials agreed to implement the auditor’s recommendations.