SALEM, IL — The Salem City Council has approved a 2.5% annual increase in water and sewer rates, effective immediately. The increase is attributed to rising chemical costs and infrastructure improvements. Additionally, residents will see a one-time $1 increase in their monthly garbage collection fees starting in April. This increase aligns with a change in service from Sunrise Sanitation, which will now provide residents with trash totes. City officials anticipate that future landfill closures may be less costly, potentially leading to a decrease in garbage rates.