The City Council, of course, has the final say on utility rates and members probably will hear plenty from constituents about the increases the Decatur Utilities board approved this week.

The proposed increases are substantial and come at a time when recession batters household incomes. DU, however, will be in deep trouble without a substantial increase in revenue. If DU is in trouble, it means all of us suffer.

The proposal comes after an intensive study of rates for wastewater and potable water, the upgrades the system needs and what will happen without more money.

Board members for months have indicated the need for and probability of rate hikes. Wednesday’s vote to ask the City Council to approve the recommendation comes after extensive open debate.

Still, consumers don’t like price increases, even when they know they are justified. Without the increases, DU could fall $4 million behind expenses annually in water sales during the next five years. Wastewater treatment costs would lag revenue by almost $6 million.

On a graduated scale, residential customers would pay about $12.66 more per month for water and sewer service by 2012. Industries also would feel the impact, with monthly costs for a 12-inch wastewater pipe going from $4 to $732.22. In addition, they will pay a rate per gallon fee.

It took courage for DU members to recommend the increases. Council members should show that same resolve.