PERU, Ind. – Monday evening, November 7th, Peru City Common Council held their regular meeting at City Hall. City Council approved an increase to water rates at $8.69 each month beginning January 1st, 2017. Peru Utilities General Joe Pandy says this is a 50% increase. Mr. Pandy stated the increases are needed to help finance $7 million of Capital Improvements as well as annual maintenance for hydrants, valves, pipes, and other parts of water infrastructure needed to uphold the quality, safety, and reliability of the city’s water supply. The city last increased the water rates in 2008. The Utilities Enterprise lost $1 million between 2008 and 2015. The water rate is necessary. Peru is still lower than Wabash, Logansport, and Kokomo. Regarding the rate increase of 50% , Mr. Pandy said, “We don’t like to do it, but it’s necessary to preserve and protect the health and well being of the citizens of Peru.