NO ONE LIKES RATE INCREASES, BUT CAPE GIRARDEAU HAS DONE A GOOD JOB OF HOLDING THEM DOWN

The Cape Girardeau City Council is moving forward on a plan raise water-usage rates and solid waste collection fees. While nobody likes paying more for city services, the council -- and city staff -- deserve credit for keeping the increases low.

Water rates would go up 2 percent, and trash collection fees would increase a modest 1.5 percent. The higher rates would generate a total of $112,500 in additional annual revenue to help offset increased operating costs.

The council gave first-round approval to the increases at its last meeting and is expected to officially sign off on the proposal Monday. The new rates would take effect Sept. 1.

The latest rate increases would have a minimal impact on the pocketbooks of city residents. Residential water bills would go up 32 cents a month on average, while the average commercial rate would increase $1.34 a month. Monthly trash collection would cost 20 cents more per household.

Over the past decade, the city has done a commendable job of keeping the price of services for its residents low. Since purchasing the city water system from Union Electric in 1992, water rates for residential customers have risen just 1.89 percent, while commercial customers have seen their bills rise 2.05 percent. In the past five years, trash collection fees have increased only 2.17 percent.

Rising costs for the city necessitate higher rates for customers. But the city continues to prove its commitment keeping services affordable.

To the editor:

After being displace for many years, Israel regained part of its original homeland in 1948. Now, many nations and the United Nations are attempting to persuade Israel to bring peace in the Middle East by relinquishing parts of its homeland to the Palestinians.

This effort should be of great concern to all ministers and believers of the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior, and they should teach the basic sermon that the Rev. Stan Gibson preached from his pulpit at the First Baptist Church in Advance, Mo.

Mr. Gibson's Bible-based topic was, "Who Owns the Land of Israel?" To whom was the land of Israel promised forever? The Israelites, God's chosen people. Through whom was the land promised forever? Through God's covenant with Abraham and his descendants. Were the Palestinians included? No. Were the Gentiles included? No.

Giving up this land will not obtain peace. It belongs to Israel. God said it. I believe it.

JEWEL REIMLER

Advance, Mo.