Is an increase in Decorah water and sewer rates necessary?

City of Decorah officials may be discussing a sewer and water rate increase during 2012.

The recent audit of the city's financial books noted the last sewer rate increase was in the fourth quarter f the 2008 fiscal year, while the last water rate increase was in the 2006 fiscal year.

The sewer and water departments combined for a loss of $287,827 during the most recent fiscal year--a loss in the water department of $7,116 and a loss in the sewer department of $280,711.

City officials believe an increase in the rates for the sewer fund should be approved as soon as possible—and perhaps even for the water fund as well.