PORT BYRON -- Spring will bring higher sewer rates for Port Byron residents and businesses.

At a Monday meeting of the village board's committee of the whole, Mayor Donna McCormick said that starting in March, the base sewer rate will increase by 20 percent, to $30 per month.

More increases are likely in 2009 and 2010, she said, depending on what type of financial help the village can get for building a new sewer treatment plant.

Port Byron has been barred by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency from connecting any new homes or businesses to its sewer system since 1996. Instead, new construction is supposed to use septic systems.

The IEPA enacted the restriction after the village's system, which includes three lagoons to treat the sewage, tested at about 130 percent over capacity.

The agency has said the village must build a new sewer treatment plant to have the restriction lifted. In September, the village board approved a roughly $4.5 million plan to build a new plant and install new sewer mains throughout the village. How to pay for the work is still being determined.

"We are vigorously seeking funding assistance, including state and federal grants and low-interest loans," the mayor said.

Mayor McCormick also announced that Port Byron will switch from bi-monthly sewer billing to monthly, starting this month. She said the change had been sought by many residents.

The sewer base charge is keyed to water usage.

Also during the committee meeting:

-- Mayor McCormick announced she is setting up a tax-increment financing advisory committee to help in TIF marketing, policies and negotiations. The village board will retain final approval on all TIF-related decisions.

-- Learned the construction permit has been received for drilling on Well No. 5. Work will begin as soon as the weather permits. Trustees are expected to vote next week on hiring a firm to do the work. Albrecht Well Drilling of Ohio, Ill., has submitted the low bid of $87,000.

-- Trustee Dennis Healy said an adaptor on Well No. 3 is leaking, and that Peerless Service Co. of Dubuque will be replacing the part, at a cost of about $11,0000.

-- Discussed the possibility of merging the Port Byron and Rapids City fire departments, and creating an independent taxing district to fund the new department. Such a move would have to be approved by a majority of voters in the areas to be included in the new fire protection district.

Before the proposal can be put before the voters several details must be worked out, including what would happen to the equipment and buildings each fire department now uses.

"Potentially, it is a cost saving measure for the village," the mayor said. Fire Chief Mike Poel the move would "benefit the entire community."

-- Discussed creating the village's own fines for smoking in public places, which would override the state fines of $100 for an individual for the first offense and $250 for the business owner.

Police Chief Robert Ellis suggested cutting the fines in half.

The proposal will come before the board for a final vote in coming weeks.