A 5-2 vote by the Watseka City Council Tuesday has triggered annual water and sewer rate increases for local taxpayers.

Infrastructure break-downs appear to be reasons for new revenue to overcome repair needs.  But the No votes from Tim Mathewson and Mike Marcier finds both aldermen saying “tax hikes will hurt a lot of people,” and some research and a plan seems to be in order before decisions like a rate hike.

The rates will increase May 1 and each year after that thru 2-15.  Calculations spelled out at a February 21 meeting shows water rates jumping from $2.66 per thousand gallons to $3.16 per thousand in 2012; $3.26 per thousand in 2013 , $3.36 per thousand in 2014 and up to $3.46 per thousand in 2015.

Sewer rates will rise from $3.40 to $3.85 per thousand this year in May to $3.97 in 2013, $4.09 in 2014 and $4.21 per thousand in 2015.

Minimum water and sewer rates are currently at $50.54.  Over the next four years, the rate will jump to $58.18 in 2016. 

94.1 FM, WGFA