The Guthrie Center City Council met in a special joint session with the City Utility Board Wednesday.

The Council approved increases to City sewer rates. The increase is gradual over a five year period, with the first two years only being an increase of $1 for most residents. In the final year of the five-year period, the rates will increase by $2.22 for residents using 2,000 gallons or fewer per month. There will be additional charges for those using more than 2,000 gallons.

Both governing bodies also heard insurance presentations from Becky Benton of State Street Insurance and Rod Rumelhart of Rumelhart Financial Services. The Council approved Benton as the Iowa Communities Assurance Pool (ICAP) representative and Rumelhart as the EMC Insurance representative. The Council will review quotes for general liability insurance in August.

The Council also approved liquor licenses, pending Dram Shop approval, for both the All School Reunion and Guthrie’s River Ruckus.