The Montpelier Village Council began the process of increasing their water and sewer rates at their regularly scheduled meeting this week. Council authorized an amendment for the increase. They have not gone up since August 2020. Village Manager Jason Rockey explained that all three utility department rates are not sufficient for covering the cost to run the departments. So…a 7% increase in sewer and a 3% uptick in water will begin on May 1st . Based on an average of 500 cubic feet of water usage, residential utility bills will go up $3.50 per year over the next four years. Council will need to have two more readings to pass the ordinance. Council also approved officials to advertise for bids and contracts for the improvement of village streets. The resurfacing of multiple streets in the village limits is typically bid out in January, but was put on hold. The delay was due to waiting for the Ohio Department of Transportation to fund 100% of the cost on The Iron Horse River Trail agreement.