Ironton residents must stay tuned for another cable rate increase, although the Ironton City Council opposes the hike.

Council passed an ordinance Thursday showing its opposition to the increase that will be implemented Nov. 1.

Although the ordinance will not stop the increase, it shows the citizens of Ironton that the city is fighting for them, Mayor Bob Cleary said.

Council also passed an ordinance inviting representatives from Adelphia to the next meeting, and authorizing City Attorney Mack Anderson to review the contract between Adelphia and the city to determine the city's options.

Continually rising costs have forced Adelphia to increase the rates to remain competitive, said Brenda L. Holdren, government relations manager for Adelphia.

"The increase is to cover the costs of doing business," she said. "We have seen an increase in programming costs, wages, specialized training, utilities, fuel, insurance and equipment."

Within the past 12-months Adelphia has launched high-speed Internet access in Ironton.

Holdren said that as an extra they will also increase services.

They will add CMT, the Outdoor Channel, Speedvision and the Travel Channel to the basic line-up, and Inspirational Life, FX Movies and Noggins to the Digital Basic Service.

"Adelphia is pleased to serve the Ironton community. We offer a great value in cable television," she said. "We are very competitive with pricing and what we have to offer."

On the average each package increased by $2 per month and the premium movie channels have increased by $1.

Councilman Bob Lipker wanted his name added to the sponsors for the resolution opposing the ordinance.

"I think council as a whole should support it," he said. "It seems like every September they want a rate increase."

Council Chairman Jesse Roberts agreed that Adelphia raises the prices too often.

"We want to show the citizens of Ironton that we are tired of this and we are fighting for them,"

Roberts said.

Hopefully, passing a resolution will get Adelphia's attention and representatives will come to a meeting, he said.

"If they are in financial troubles with the bank, they should not bail themselves out at the cost of citizens already in financial

difficulties," Cleary said. "They need to find other ways to fix their mess."