The City of Albert Lea may start charging a utility fee for the storm-water utility system.

City Manager Paul Sparks said the reason for the possible new fee is that the cost of the the service has increased dramatically. Because the city is not allowed to levy taxes to cover these costs, they would go to a utility to provide income to cover those costs.

Last winter, the council raised sewer and water rates by 20 percent.

The city is hiring Bolton and Menk, a contracting company, to help develop the utility system. The cost of the contract is $17,000.

Sparks said the proposal may be done as part of an effort to balance the 2004 budget.

The council will vote Monday night on whether to accept the contract.