The water debate has been going since last summer in Sisters. The subject: Will the water rates be increased or not to pay for long term projects over the next five years. “If we do not increase rates in the next probably 12 to 18 months, we will be in danger of running a deficit or in the red in the water fund.” Sisters Mayor Lon Kellstrom says an initial rate increase request was made last summer and then pared down, but neither request was okayed by Council. Kellstrom considers these projects maintenance. Councilor Sharlene Weed disagrees: “The proposal that they gave to Council were not satisfactory, and we were not able to make a decision based on the data that they gave us.” Weed says she is submitting a revised capital improvements plan of projects the City really needs in the next five years. Council discussions continue.