The Odessa City Council unanimously changed their minds Tuesday night and voted not to increase water, sewer and solid waste rates after having earlier discussed imposing a 1.5% increase for each.

The council still voted to raise property taxes, however.

Mayor Cal Hendrick said he’d been contacted by each council member expressing their desire to help Odessans.

“This council listens to the citizens. It listens to our people in Odessa, and there’s a lot of people upset about the current taxes situation with the city and all the governmental entities, and for that, you know, we hear you,” Hendrick said.

Finance Director Kaylie Banda told the council that as a result of their decision, the city will forgo $1,353,995 in additional funds.

When the council first began discussing utility rat

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