(KLZA)-- Proposed ordinance changes to increase utility rates for Falls City Utility customers passed on on second reading during Wednesday evenings City Council meeting.

If approved on final reading September 19, the rate increases will go into effect October 1. The largest increase would be in the sewer rate at 5 percent. The electric rate increase would be 4.8 percent; the water rate increase would be 4.5 percent and the increase in the natural gas rate would 1.6 percent.

In other business the Council approved a change order to the contract with Farabee Mechanical out of Hickman, Nebraska to repair the damaged crankshaft on electrical generating engine #5 at the Falls City Power Plant.

Utility Superintendent Ray Luhring said the original contract was for $358,000 to do the repair work, but there was more damage than originally anticipated pushing the cost to nearly $1.1 million.

The Falls City Board of Public Works recommended approving the latest change order. The cost for the change order is an additional $117,984 above the $1.1-million.

Luhring said insurance will cover nearly all of the costs of the repair work being done.