Councilman George Wangemann opposed the proposed rate structure at a meeting earlier this month.
"I have grave concerns, I really do," said Wangemann.
He said he talked with several middle-to-upper class city residents who said they were worried about an increase in the rates.
"I think that a 6% increase in these difficult economic times tends to be a very trying thing."
But the rest of council approved first reading for the plan at that meeting. The new rates will increase the average residential monthly bill for in-city customers by about a dollar a month.
Gainesville water customers living outside the city will pay between one and two dollars more a month, depending on usage.
"I would propose a more modest increase than what they have recommended here, cutting the increase, for example, by 50%," said Wangemann.
But public utilities said it was not possible to shave off any more money from the plan.
Wangemann said he would like for the utilities department to look back at its plans again to see if there is a way to hold off on some of the capital improvements.
Councilwoman Ruth Bruner said she thought it was too late to make such a request.
The council tonight is also expected to make three appointments to the city planning and appeals board.
The meeting is at 5:30 at the Georgia Mountains Center.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2009/12/225145