The Ames City Council took the first step toward raising electric rates by 1.5% for all residents and businesses on Tuesday. It also altered a landscaping rule after a request from ISU Research Park.

The Ames City Council voted on Tuesday to have the city attorney draft language to change the city code to enable Ames Electric Services to raise electricity rates by 1.5% for all customers starting after the summer season this year, then bring the matter to the council for future consideration.