A public hearing was held Monday night in Danbury.  The City Council met as a committee of the whole to discuss water rates.  There was no resident comment during the 15 minutes meeting, which was also slated to take input on the proposed illicit discharge and connection ordinance.  The discharge ordinance will be discussed further at the Council's July meeting. 

In order to mitigate the impact of the 3.5 percent sewer rate increase in the budget for the coming fiscal year, officials proposed the water rate be decreased.  This applies to both metered and non-metered water rates.  The rates are being reduced by 1.5 percent. 

Councilman Paul Rotello asked how this would impact the money needed to pay for wastewater treatment plant improvements.  Attorney Les Pinter says there's other money available for that project, and for phosphorus removal equipment.  A bond was approved by voters and state funds are available.  He acknowledged sewer rates do go toward the work as well because there is still going to be a net increase.

The City's Finance Director was not in attendance to answer questions about the rates.