Decorah City Council tables increases in city sewer and water rates

The Decorah City Council has voted 5-2 to delay any increases in city sewer and water rates.

The proposal discussed Monday evening would have increased sewer treatment charges by 25 percent and water rates by 30 percent and would remove the quantity discount of over 6,000 cubic feet of water usage.

City Administrator Chad Bird said the utilities would be operating in the red this fiscal year without the rate increases and noted, "You can't continue operating in the red."  But City Council member Randy Schissel worried about raising rates too quickly and impacting those on fixed incomes.

The 5-2 vote against approving the rate increases now means the issue will be referred to the city's Utilities Committee for a recommendation.