The Rockwood City Council had a lengthy agenda Monday night and passed several items.

The council approved on first reading, after several minutes of discussion an increase in water rates due to around 15 million dollars worth of improvements needed to the aging water treatment plant on Pump House Road.  The increase once approved on the second and final reading at the next meeting of the Rockwood council, will increase your water bill $4 a month for the first year, and then $14 a month added on in the fifth year. However the good news is it will not affect your sewer rate charge, only will be added to the water bill.

They accepted the health insurance proposal for employees for the next fiscal year with Cigna Healthcare, and approved former Mayor and council member Harold Holloway to an appointment on the Rockwood water, wastewater, and gas systems board, along with the reappointment of current member Mark Clem.

The council also approved their end-of-year budget amendments from City administrator Becky Rupee who said the city is in good financial shape as they close out this year and enter the next.  Finally, the council agreed to allow a mutual agreement between Roane State Community College and the Rockwood Police Department to assist on campus in the event of a major emergency or if they have to stand by for security purposes in the event of a shortage of Roane State officers.