For the second straight year, there will be no increase in the water and sewer rates for City of Vandalia customers. In a special work session for the Vandalia City Council on Monday night, Tricia Elam of Timmermann and Company went thru the water and sewer system numbers for the past year. The raw numbers show a significant decrease in the costs for the water and sewers systems this past year, as compared with 2017. But, Elam says that is a little deceiving. She says one reason is the retirement system had a very strong year this past year, making money on investments. And, Elam also says they did not pay into the health insurance program this past year. Elam presented the City Council with 5 different options, with one option she says being the best example with the retirement numbers adjusted to last year and adding back in the health insurance payments. Under that model, it still shows that no increase would be needed in water or sewer rates. In fact, it still showed a savings in both systems over the past year. Vandalia Mayor Rick Gottman did point out to the City Council that they are in the process of working towards building a new Water Treatment plant that will cost 21 million dollars and that rates will certainly need to go up at that time. Alderman B. John Clark agreed with that and suggested maybe it was a good idea to do a gradual increase over the next few years. But, Alderman Mike Hobler said he was in favor of not increasing rates. He says they are asking voters to vote on a sales tax increase in the November General Election to help fund the new Water Treatment plant. And, he says he believe keeping the water and sewer rates the same is show of support to the voters in asking them to approve the sales tax increase. During the regular City Council meeting, the matter came up again with Clark again mentioning he would be in favor of a gradual increase. But, the Council took no action. And, that means that there will be no increase in water and sewer rates for this next year.