The Charleston City Council will vote on an ordinance that will raise the water and sewer rates for residents during today’s meeting. 

During the last city council meeting, the ordinance was filed for public inspection and will raise the rates for water usage.

The rates would increase from $11.65 minimum charge for 1,000 gallons or less to $12.06. The ordinance would also increase the rates for the next 9,000 gallons from $11.65 per 1,000 gallons to $12.06 for those who live within corporate limits. 

The rates will increase depending on the location of the address, as well as a different increase for service to Eastern. 

The council will also vote on a motion to approve the budget for the upcoming year. 

The council will also vote on an ordinance that will raise the ambulance rates.  The base rates for ambulance services for residents of the city will be raised to $385 from $372.40 for basic life support. 

The rates will also increase depending on the level of the life support, the medical supplies used by the patient, extrication services, as well as a per-mile charge. 

During the last council meeting, Mayor John Inyart said the rate will be increased because of the growing cost for the city to provide the services. 

The city council will also vote on an ordinance that will allow business owners located in the square to receive money as a part of the Tax Increment Redevelopment Plan. 

Those who will receive the grant include Mike Ziebka, John Williams, James DiNaso, Bob Murphy, Kathy Jenkins, Todd Cornwell, Tina Grissom and Shi Jie Gao.  

Inyart will also appoint Cathy Ols to the Charleston Carnegie Library Board of Trustees and Inyart will also re-appointment current members Alan Lanham and Mary Droste. 

Inyart will also proclaim the week of April 22 through April 28 as Rotary Group Study Exchange Program Week.  

Kathryn Richter can be reached at 581-2812 or kjrichter@eiu.edu.