Sioux Falls, SD (KELO-AM) Sioux Falls City Council will consider a proposed 18 percent increase over three years in water and sewer fees.
Council was scheduled to get its first look at the Tuesday April 19 meeting.
Public Works Director Mark Cotter says the higher fees are needed to pay for utility infrastructure and growth in the years ahead.
Critics have been quick to pounce.
"Our sales tax revenue is overflowing and the Mayor says the piggybank is full," argues Community Activist Theresa Stehly, who was elected this month to an At-large seat on Council. She says let's wait until the four new council members are seated before taking action on the proposed fee hikes.
Using sales tax revenue seems to be a robbing Peter to pay Paul argument, according to Cotter. He says that money is used now for roads so if you take some away to use for utilities, you will have less for roads.