The Knox City Council will take the first steps toward raising water and sewer rates when they meet this evening. The agenda for their 7 p.m. session includes first reading of water and sewer rate ordinances.
The proposed 11-percent raises were prompted by a recent rate study done for the city by accounting firm Umbaugh and Associates. Knox Clerk-Treasurer Jeff Houston notes the rate studies on which the increases are based take into effect the infrastructure needs for the water and sewer departments.
Under the proposal, the water rate increase will take effect immediately, while the sewer rate hike will be phased in over two years.
The proposed ordinances were shared with city council members for review at their last meeting. Mayor Rick Chambers noted then that rates have not been increased in eight years.
