Sioux Falls, SD (KELO-AM) - It was a hot item before the Sioux Falls City Council Tuesday night. The second reading and vote on proposed rate hikes for power, water, and sewer fees. Public Works Director Mark Cotter explained that the City ranks about in the middle of comparable areas fees. Several representatives of multi-family housing firms spoke against raising rates, saying they pass along the increases to their already challenged renters. Private citizens addressed the issue, including soon to be At-Large councilor Theresa Stehly, who said the issue needed more discussion and "due process". In the end, the Council voted 7 to 1 to pass the increases, which will be spread over the next 3 years. Current At-Large Council member Kermit Staggers cast the lone dissenting vote. The average home will see increases of $100-120 per year by 2019, depending on usage.
↧