During the August 28th government meeting, officials discussed the city's budget and the necessity of increasing water and wastewater rates to address significant financial challenges. The proposed rate increase of 23.75% aims to cover essential positions and projects, including the assistant director of public service and customer service specialist roles, as well as critical infrastructure assessments and replacements.

The budget for the current year totals $32.8 million in both revenue and expenditures, with approximately $19.8 million allocated for key projects necessary for maintaining the city's utility systems. These projects include upgrades to the Gross Embarker Water Treatment Plant, a water main renewal program, and various wastewater improvements, all of which have seen cost increases due to inflation and supply chain issues.

City officials emphasized that without the proposed rate increase, the utility fund could face a deficit of around $3 million, jeopardizing the city's ability to provide reliable water services. Residents expressed concerns about the rising costs, with one citizen highlighting that their monthly water bill had reached nearly $100, prompting worries about affordability for families.

Public comments also touched on the performance of water meters, with residents questioning the accuracy of billing due to malfunctioning equipment. Additionally, concerns were raised regarding the mayor's salary, which was noted to be significantly higher than national and state averages, suggesting that budget cuts could be considered before imposing rate hikes on residents.

The meeting concluded with a call for further discussion on the proposed rate increase, as officials seek to balance the city's financial needs with the economic realities faced by its residents.