ARLINGTON — At the same time that the Arlington City Council rescinded rate increases for its water, sewer and storm utilities, the council also agreed to contract with the FCS Group for a detailed financial analysis of its water and sewer utility rates and connection fees.

“We’ve never had a comprehensive study done of our rate structure or utility fees,” city public works director Jim Kelly said. “We want to make sure those are fair, equitable and competitive with other jurisdictions.”

When council member Jesica Stickles asked whether expenses would go down or up as a result, Kelly pointed to possible savings as a result of reviewing the city’s methodologies, but declined to offer a definitive answer.

“One big issue is that, within the next five to seven years, we’re going to need to find a new supplemental water source,” Kelly said. “We lost half of the airport well’s casing three years ago, so we need to find a new location.”

The council also unanimously agreed to create a citizen salary review commission and a deputy chief position for the Arlington Police Department, as well as to contract with the Prothman Group to search for a new city finance director.

“We hope to have a new finance director in place by May,” said Kristin Banfield, human resources and communications director for the city. “Prothman’s previous searches for us have included a fire chief and a city administrator, and their price has not increased since then. The next-nearest bid was almost double the price.”

Prothman’s bid is $18,500.

Both Banfield and council member Chris Raezer said they are pleased to have Mary Swenson, former chief administrative officer of Marysville, conducting the search.

“Mary knows us, and knows our needs,” Raezer said.