PROSSER — City council members this week will discuss raising water rates that will eventually fund a new water tower on the north end of town.

At a special meeting at 7 p.m. today at City Hall, council will talk about raising rates by 5 percent for the 2009 budget, but will make no decisions.

Average residential bills are $27 per month, according to city engineers. A 5 percent increase will mean an extra $1.35 per month.

The increase will partially pay for ongoing maintenance on the city’s pipes and wells, said city administrator Charlie Bush, but may also be a first step to funding a new reservoir near Interstate 82 at exit 80.

For 20 years, city leaders have discussed the idea of a new reservoir to keep up with growth in the north end of town near Vintner’s Village.

The idea has usually been met with criticism from residents, including council members, who believe rerouting the city’s pipes would accomplish the same task at less cost.

The city is in the process of purchasing land for the tower.

In May 2007, city council raised water rates 11 percent after going four years without an increase. During that time, maintenance costs have outpaced revenue, Bush said.