By DEBORAH GERTZ HUSAR

Herald-Whig Staff Writer

PITTSFIELD, Ill. -- The Pittsfield City Council is holding the line on its tax levy.

Aldermen Tuesday gave first reading approval to a $303,500 levy, the same amount approved in 2007 and 2008. Final approval of the levy is expected at the council's Dec. 1 meeting.

Also Tuesday, aldermen gave first reading approval to an ordinance setting new water rates.

Water rates will increase $7 per month per customer in January, and another $7 per month in January 2011, to cover the city's share of the cost of a $9.3 million project to build new supply wells, a water treatment plant and service lines.

Thanks to grants and zero-interest 20-year loans from federal stimulus dollars and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for the project, the rate hike is less than originally considered.

With the increase, the minimum bill for water service alone will be $16.71. The minimum bill for water and sewer service will be $23.18 per month.

The increase applies to water usage beginning in January, with the bill due in February. The city will continue to have the consumer index fee increase in May of each year.

A second and final reading of the ordinance will be on the agenda for the Dec. 1 meeting.

In other action, aldermen:

* Gave first reading approval to a solicitor's ordinance which extends the evening hours nonprofit groups can solicit sales. With the change, nonprofits such as scouts or school groups may solicit sales until 8 p.m. instead of 6 p.m.

* Approved a $30,000 loan from the gas department to the airport to help ease cash-flow concerns until property tax money becomes available. The city expects to receive the first installment of tax dollars in December.

* Agreed to close Lake Pittsfield to camping on Nov. 23. The north boat dock stays open year-round, but the east side boat dock will be closed for repairs and may remain closed over the winter months.

* Presented a proclamation to John Wood Community College President Tom Klincar recognizing the college's 35 years in Pittsfield.

-- dhusar@whig.com/221-3379