The Rockwood City Council met in regular session last night with all members present. The council unanimously approved the first reading of a sewer rate increase for Rockwood wastewater customers, adding approximately $5 to the minimum charge and slightly more for those using over 1,000 gallons of water per month.

The increase will be phased in over four years. Kim Leffew, General Manager of the Rockwood Water, Wastewater, and Gas Systems Board, and Daniel Peterson, a consulting firm representative, explained the need for the increase due to substantial revenue losses in the sewer department since the last rate adjustment in 2017.

The proposal requires approval on two more readings and a public hearing at next month’s meeting. The council also approved a $1 increase in city court fees to align with state requirements and a 2% discount for early payment of city taxes.