Decorah City Council approves first reading of $84,500 hike in sewer and water rates

The Decorah City Council has approved the first reading of an ordinance to increase water and sewer rates in the city.  The vote was unanimous--6-0, with city council member Tade Kerndt absent on Monday.

The ordinance would increase water rates by 2 percent and sewer rates by 1.45 percent and would eliminate the 5 percent discount for paying sewer and water bills on time. 

The total of those four changes would result in total in increased fees to over $84,500.