Water and sewer rates in International Falls are expected to increase by 3% for the next two years.
Falls council approved first reading of an ordinance that will also include a new charge to service the debt on improvements to the water treatment plant.
The city narrowly agreed last June to spend almost $12 million on upgrades.
Mayor Drake Dill voiced his opposition to the increase.
“The reason I’m doing that is because I wanted to attempt to get state assistance with the plant rehab,” says Dill.
Consultants estimate the cost of servicing the debt will be about $850,000.
The proposed increases will move the monthly rate for water from $23.69 to $24.40 this year and to $25.13 in 2027, with additional costs based on usage.
The minimum charge in the sewer rate increases from $30.14 to $33.23 a month by 2027.
The money will go toward normal operating costs
All users in the city will be charged a fee of $17.00 in 2026 and $18.50 in 2027 toward the plant improvement costs.
The second and final reading of the ordinance is likely to come next month.
