City Council will review today a $13.1 million public water repair plan, which, if approved, will increase public water rates.

Engineering design firm Burns & McDonnell compiled a 10-year plan to rehabilitate the water supply well, improve water treatment, recoat the water tower and replace the water main. The improvements may result in a $10 increase in the average water bill for DeKalb residents by 2024.

“I think there will be a debate [tonight],” said 6th Ward Alderman Dave Baker. “I hope that it will be examined more closely. I don’t anticipate a second reading.”

The public water rates would increase by 4.50 percent each year until 2020, according to a scenario proposed by Burns & McDonnell. By 2024, the average DeKalb resident’s water bill is expected to be around $40, according to today’s meeting agenda.

“My philosophy is to keep the bill down as low as possible, and if a major repair needed to be repaired at that point, bond it out,” Baker said. “I’m not so sure that anybody wants to raise the water bill. It’s really just another tax. [Burns & McDonnell is] trying to present it as a usage fee.”

The Financial Advisory Committee is requesting a review of fund balance levels to see if funds can be extracted without taking out a loan, according to the agenda for today’s meeting. DeKalb staff members approve of the scenario so long as the suggested additions by the Financial Advisory Committee are adhered, said DeKalb Mayor John Rey.

If approved, the ordinance will go into effect April 1, and the new rates will be included in the July water bill. The billing cycle will also change from every three months to every two months, according to today’s agenda.

“I think [the public] will be pleased that [City Council] is giving more thought to maintaining quality of water service and capital infrastructure,” Rey said.