The Pella City Council approved the first reading an increase to the city’s wastewater rate at their meeting Tuesday. This ordinance, if approved after three readings, increases the wastewater rates of the City of Pella by 8% effective for utility bills due July 20, 2019. The bump is one in a series aimed to pay for nearly $5 million in Iowa DNR-mandated improvements to the city’s wastewater system. Council also approved an amendment to a contract with HR Green for engineering services provided during widespread improvements to the community’s water treatment plant and well system, as well as a resolution to certify the population of recently annexed territory.