Council tables proposed water rate increase, schedules review with International Falls

The Rain City Council voted to table a proposed water rate increase — Ordinance 152 Appendix A — and said it will meet with representatives from International Falls before finalizing rates.

A council member said the city has a tentative meeting set with International Falls and that the council should meet before the next regular council meeting to consider whatever is proposed. The member moved to table the ordinance so staff could advertise changes and finalize numbers; the motion was seconded and carried. In the council’s words, “Table it till next week.”

Nut graf: Councilors opted to delay formal action on the water‑rate ordinance to allow a dedicated review with International Falls officials, giving the council time to address rate‑setting details and public notice requirements.

Council members said they expect to meet with International Falls representatives and will present results at the next meeting; the council discussed timing options to ensure key staff can attend and noted the importance of public notice and the ability for citizens to comment before any final vote.

The substance of the proposed rate changes (detailed line items or percentages) was not read into the public transcript at this meeting; councilors said the proposal will be discussed in the follow-up meeting and in the next council session.