Utility rate increases approved for 2014

The Colorado Springs city council approved a utilities rate increase of 4.3% Tuesday.

The increase is equivalent to $8.47 more a month in an average residential bill. The measure to approve the increase passed with a 7-2 vote. Council president Keith King and council member Helen Collins voted against it.

Council also amended the proposed 2014 Colorado Springs Utilities budget. They eliminated funding for economic development, community focus grants, city sponsored events, nonprofit event sponsorships and memberships. Council kept funding for Project COPE agencies, which helps people who have difficulty paying for utilities.

Council will have a second and final reading to approve the CSU budget Dec. 10.