The Paden City Council will meet at 7 p.m. on Feb. 6 to consider and take final action on a proposed ordinance which would increase the water rates for municipal customers.

Gaps in the budget for the Paden City water department have forced the exploration of an increase. Last month, after reviewing the Rule 42/Performa supplied to them by Abraham & Company, the councilmen moved to proceed with the 18.5 percent raise that could put the city back on track. This amendment would bring the base water rate to $32.82, plus tax – an increase of $5.12 per month on the current rate.

Councilman Dan Probst noted that a miscalculation over the past several years was the cause for the budget issue. “I went into the meeting (with Abraham & Company) thinking I wasn’t going to increase anyone’s rates. But we don’t have a choice,” he said.

Feeling it was in the best interest of the city and the citizens of Paden City, the council agreed to move forward with the increase at the December meeting. The process, however, requires the city to hold a public hearing to discuss the ordinance before the final vote. If the councilmen approve the rate increase, the water rates for users of the system will take effect April 1.

Copies of the amended ordinance may be inspected by the public during regular business hours at the Paden City Municipal Building by contacting Tamra Billiter or Julie Efaw. All interested parties are welcome to attend the meeting at 7 p.m. on Feb. 6 and be heard with respect to the proposed increase.