Sharpsville council's new vice president's request to reopen the 2002 budget was denied Wednesday, but council told him his concerns could be addressed anyway.

Gary "Gus" Grandy said he wanted to reopen the budget to discuss the water-rate hike and council's plans for $23,259 that was carried over from 2001's capital improvement fund.

He said he was concerned about raising water rates 15 percent to cover costs at the treatment plant, including replacing lines in the borough, because the plant also serves customers in South Pymatuning Township.

The average monthly water bill for Sharpsville customers was $22.17. The 15 percent increase would bring that bill to $25.53.

Grandy said although Sharpsville is in the business of selling water, he didn't think it was fair for South Pymatuning residents to have to pay for the borough's lines. He asked how much of the 15 percent rate hike was going to capital improvements, but council has not broken it down.

Councilman Tom Lally told Grandy the budget didn't need to be reopened because those issues could be discussed in committee.