By Angela Hatton
Metropolis, IL – Metropolis, Illinois city council members have yet to make a decision on sewer and water rates. A recent city finance committee meeting failed to reach approval on the fee schedule, so last night's first reading of the ordinances did not include rates. Metropolis faces a 2.2 million dollar budget deficit due to a lack of revenue from local casino gambling taxes. The state Environmental Protection Agency has also mandated the city separate its combined storm runoff and sewer treatment system, an estimated eight to ten million dollar cost. Mayor Bill McDaniel says the rate increase will depend on how much revenue would be required to pay off the project. The finance committee meets tomorrow afternoon to continue discussion. The city must have a budget in place by September 30.