LOWELL | The public will have a chance to ask questions and learn more about planned water and sewer rate changes at a hearing at 7 p.m. Dec. 8.

The Town Council on Monday set the date for the public hearing and gave preliminary approval to the rate changes for both utilities.

While a 30 percent increase in the water utility earned council approval, officials noted a reduction of a similar amount approved for the sewage utility will offset the hike.

Consultant Greg Guerretaz, of Financial Solutions Group, recommended the changes after studying the two utilities with Lowell Clerk-Treasurer Judy Walters.

Increasing the water service cost is necessary, Guerretaz said, because the utility's funds currently are below required levels.

The town currently is negotiating with Vulcan Materials, which has a mining operation south of Lowell, to obtain the potable water that is a byproduct of the mine operation. That water is now sent south to the Kankakee River.

Town officials, notably council President Phillip Kuiper, D-4th, have said a new water source is needed for the growing community. A shallow well field just south of the town's east end currently serves as the sole water source.

Guerretaz recommended a bond issue to fund the delivery system for the proposed water source.