UPDATED: Ames City Council to Discuss Hiking Water/Sewer Rates and Parking Fines

Council passed first readings of both ordinances without discussion. Updated 4 p.m.Wednesday April 25.

Ames City Council will discuss tonight the first reading of ordinances that would increase water and sewer rates and parking fines.

The proposed water and sewer rate increase is expected to raise the average user's bill by less than $3 a month. The increases are necessary for ongoing maintenance and operations including the construction of a new water treatment plant and potential development in the north and east.

Ames City Council directed city staff during , to write up an ordinance asking for a 4.2 percent increase in water rates and a 10 percent increase in sewer rates that would go into effect on meter readings in June. Residents would see the increase when they receive their bills in the mail in July.

The average customer who uses 600 kwh of electricity and 600 cubic feet of water would see a total increase of about $2.86 a month, John Dunn, director has said.

The Council has discussed increasing to deter bad parking habits for the past few months. And it appears that tickets for illegal parking, such as blocking a driveway or parking on the wrong side of the street could increase.

A first reading of a parking ordinance would increase illegal parking fines to $20. If people paid tickets within 7 days, the fine would be $15. Overtime parking would remain $10 and $5 if paid within seven days.

The council's regular meeting begins at 7 p.m. in at 515 Clark Ave. A work session starts at 6 p.m. The meeting is broadcast on Channel 12.