Okanogan residents can plan on higher water, sewer and garbage rates in 2009, city council members were told during a budget workshop meeting Oct. 28.
     Proposed is a 3 percent increase in water rates, 2.5 percent increase in sewer rates and an undetermined rise in sanitation rates. The latter is tied to the Consumer Price Index for Seattle.
     Council members worked through a rough draft of the budget. Requests include the utility rate increases, a full-time assistant fire chief, continued purchase of radio-read water meters, a capital facilities plan, software for clerk's office computers, a revamped fee schedule and a new backhoe.
     Mayor Michael Blake's proposed budget was due to the council Oct. 31. A hearing on the budget is scheduled for 7 tonight, Nov. 4, during the council’s regular meeting.