(MT. VERNON, IL) — The Mt. Vernon City Council held a special council and public budget meeting at the Mt Vernon City Hall. On the agenda, the council approved an ordinance increasing the water and sewer rates by 3%. The rates are increased on the operating side, and it addresses the operating of the public utility department. Any future decision on capital revenues will be discussed by future council members. This was the last meeting of Councilmen Ron Lash and David Wood as well as the City Manager, Ron Neibert.