Keokuk Hikes Sewer Rates

Keokuk, IA – The Keokuk City Council approved the final two readings of a proposal to increase sewer rates by ten percent. The goal of the rate hike is to put more money into the sewer department, which is operating in the red. The minimum bill will increase from $9.77 to about $10.75. The measure received the needed five votes, even though it looked as if the council would not have enough members in attendance to approve it. Several council members showed up toward the end of the scheduled workshop prior to the meeting, which meant the council would not have to postpone the rate hike. The council also approved an ordinance that would combine the ranks of detective and sergeant for promotions testing within the police department.