The mood was somber Monday evening as the Alva City Council addressed a proposed utility rate increase. After months of discussion and deliberation, after two public hearings to give citizens a chance to speak, the council approved the increased rates. The vote was split 7-1.

The new rates take effect Aug. 31 and will increase incrementally for the next three years. July 1, 2020, will bring the last of the approved increases.

However, the resolution sets up continued increases based on the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Wage Consumers (CPI-U). Utility rates will go up automatically each ye...