NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — One member of the Niagara Falls Water Board asserts a proposed rate increase has nothing to do with the cost of repairing its facilities in light of several overflows of black sludge into the river.

During a budget meeting Monday evening, Kendra Walker, the board’s financial services director, said the proposed 2.5 percent increase was attributable to increased health insurance costs, pay raises negotiated in union contracts and the addition of new positions.

The repairs announced by the board following the overflow incidents are among some of the “big ticket” items in the board’s budget, but are not directly responsible for the proposed rate increase, she said.

If enacted, the proposed increase would translate to an additional $2 or $3 per month, Walker said.

A vote on a final plan is expected at next Monday's meeting.