The Town of Sweden raised its water rates for the first time in two years on January 1. The 15-cent increase raised the rate to $2.65 per thousand gallons, partly to cover the increase set by Monroe County Water Authority. Sweden purchases water from the authority and resells to its residents and businesses.

But for the past 13 months, according to Councilman Rob Carges, the water fund balance has been dropping. "Low usage hasn’t generated enough to cover our costs," he said at the April 24 Sweden Town Board meeting. Sweden is responsible for maintaining the distribution system in the town.

Carges said the town will probably have to take action in May. "I don’t think we can wait until June 30 (the half-way point in the town’s budget year)."

The action could take one of two forms: a water rate increase of so many cents per thousand gallons, or a fee which could be flat or tied to usage. A flat fee per billing cycle would create a predictable income for the water fund; an increase in rates or a fee tied to usage is subject to actual consumption.

In other business from the April 24 meeting: The board established a May 22 public hearing regarding the construction of a telecommunications tower at 441 Sweden Ogden Town Line Road. SBA plans to build a 100 foot tall lattice work tower that will be able to carry three to four communications tenants. Cingular Wireless will be the main tenant. The public hearing begins at 7:15 p.m. at the town hall.

•The board will hold a public hearing at 7 p.m. on May 22 on a proposal to require permits to install driveways in the town. The code amendment will require the purchase of a permit at the building department and an inspection of the driveway construction by the highway superintendent.

•A public hearing on the East Avenue water line extension will be held May 15 at 7 p.m. The extension is a joint project between Sweden and the Town of Clarkson.