In just a few weeks, City Councilman Russ Jehl, R-2nd, has proven he will not shy away from controversial topics in his first year on the council.

Having already stalled a rezoning project to appease a northern neighborhood, Jehl on Tuesday offered some of the strongest criticism of City Utilities request to increase water rates by 40 percent. Unlike some former critics, Jehl does not raise his voice when going after the administration, but his words are just as pointed.

He noted inflation has increased prices at the same time average household incomes have fallen, making it more difficult for residents to handle a rate increase. But the real sting came when he said residents were more upset with how the increase was announced versus its cost.

“It’s about the loss of trust,” he said, noting city staff last year said no rate increase would be necessary because of the city’s conversion to a ultraviolet disinfection process. While technically accurate, Jehl said that argument hid what was really happening.

Utilities Director Kumar Menon apologized if it appeared the utility was hiding its plans to increase rates and he said there would be a greater effort to communicate with the council.

“There was no intent to mask our intentions,” Menon said.

This was the second straight week an administration official apologized to the council regarding the timing of information being released.