Council approves a 4-percent hike

OTHELLO - Othello City Council unanimously approved a water rate increase Monday night.

City Administrator Ehman Sheldon said the 4 percent increase covers the cost of power, labor, cost of living increases and capital improvements.

The 4 percent increase is effective immediately through 2010.

Finance Officer Mike Bailey said $3.2 million is to be used for capital improvements, including the drilling of two new wells and repairs to well number six.

He said the increase equates to approximately $17 per year for an average water customer in Othello.

City Councilmember Marc Spohr said at first he was hesitant to vote for the water rate increase but decided $17 is a bargain for fresh potable water.

Councilmember Ken Caylor made a motion for approval of the increase and Councilmember Ken Johnson seconded.

In previous years the rates were increased approximately 5 percent to approximately 9 percent because there were no raises for several years in a row. The council approved the gradual increase to prevent large sudden increases in the future.

Councilmembers Eleanor Brodahl and Dan Dever were absent from the council meeting.