The Watseka City Council approved a residential water rate increase Tuesday evening.  Beginning May 1, a 3 and a-half percent hike goes into effect.  That's 3 and a-half percent each year over the next five years. Council-members explained the increase is to offset the cost-of-living and material supplies.  Mayor John Allhands said the hke is about 35 cents for every 1,000 gallons used.  The Mayor listed other local communities water & sewer rates and Watseka is about in the middle of the pack.

Public Works Superintendent Loren Grovesnor pointed out the annual rate increase, he believes,  is more acceptabloe rather than 1 10-12 percent hike all at once down the road. 

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