The city council approved increases to water and wastewater rates after a lengthy and at times heated debate.Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, residential customers will see a $2.48 increase in their monthly water bill. Wastewater rates f or those same customers will increase by $1.87 per month, bringing the total increase to $4.35 on monthly utility bills.Rates will also increase for commercial customers.Council Member Kaylynn Paxson defended the decision ahead of the vote."It's not the easy thing to do but it's the right thing to do," Paxson said.Mayor Paulette Guajardo cast the only "no" vote.For the latest local news updates, click here, or download the KRIS 6 News App. Catch all the KRIS 6 News stories and more on our YouTube page. Subscribe today! ...read more read less