By SHEILA G. KELLEY

News editor

Peabody residents will see an increase in water rates effective Jan. 1, 2019, after Peabody city council members voted Monday to increase them.

Treasurer Liz Harder told the council that the state will be raising water rates for the city starting the first of the year.

“The state is increasing our water .025 cents per 1,000 gallons or 133.68 per cubic foot,” Harder said. “A two-person household would average 670 cubic feet times the .025 cents equaling a .12 cent monthly increase.”

Council members decided to pass the rise to the public at the same amount the city is being charged with no additional increase from the city to the residents.

Hannah Bourbon, Christmas lights committee member, told the council that the Association of Churches will have a community coat drive, gathering donated cold weather clothing for those in need. Items being sought include coats, new blankets, socks, scarves, hats, and gloves. Drop-off boxes will be at Vintage Bank and Peabody Library.

Becky Nickel from Peabody Community Foundation presented a short video to encourage viewers to consider moving to the community.

A representative from GIS Information presented an asset management system for the council to consider. No official decision was made.

The next city council meeting will be 7 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Peabody Library meeting room. Discussion will include whether or not to sell alcohol at the city park.