council to increase rates by 2 percent each year to keep up with the costs of business instead of raising rates by a larger percentage every ten years, similar to the past, Charleston Mayor Dan Cougill said Monday.

If passed, the increase will cost Eastern an extra $20,000 per year for their water bill.

In addition, Cougill said bulk water rates will also increase for residents who live in the more country areas and pay for their water in bulk.

The city budget for the fiscal year beginning May 1, 2002 until April 30, 2003 will also be brought to the council for approval in time to begin the new fiscal year in May, Cougill said.

Also on the agenda is the council’s list of what the motor fuel tax payback from the state will be used for. Each year, Charleston receives four payments from the state based on how much motor tax fuel is generated and before they receive that money the council must list what it will be used for. Cougill said that money must be used for new street maintenance.

As a result of the new water treatment plant being constructed, the council will also vote to approve the tearing down of the old plant and expanding of the temporary space located in the city garage at the end of Atkins Road near Route 30, Cougill said.

Six acres of land will be donated to the city by the Cole Family, which will be used to build two new softball diamonds on the north side of town, Cougill said.

The council will also be approving the yearly agreement with the director of tourism in Charleston, and Cougill said they will authorize that $2,000 from tourism funds be given to the Cal Ripken World Series in Mattoon from August 17 to 25 of this year.