In fourth-class cities in Missouri, responsibility for the maintenance and inspection of sewers typically falls to the municipality itself. Specifically:

1. Public Works Department (or equivalent): In tiny fourth-class cities, the public works department, or a contracted service if the city doesn’t have its own department, is usually responsible for sewer maintenance and inspections. This includes regular upkeep, repairs, and ensuring the system meets health and safety standards.

2. Board of Aldermen/City Council: The city’s governing body (often a board of aldermen or city council) oversees public infrastructure, including sewer systems. They may approve budgets, contracts, or agreements with outside entities for maintenance or improvements.

3. City Administrator/Mayor: In smaller cities, the mayor or city administrator often plays a more hands-on role in coordinating maintenance activities, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations, and approving contracts with third-party providers.

4. Contracted Services: Some fourth-class cities lack the personnel or resources to handle sewer inspections in-house, so they may contract this responsibility out to specialized utility companies or engineering firms.

Sewer maintenance and inspections must also comply with state and federal environmental regulations, such as those enforced by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).