NORMAL - The Normal City Council wants Comcast to know it's not happy with the service - or lack of service - the company has provided since it took over cable television at the beginning of the year. | Heartland may save Underwood Park green project

For the first time, the council on Monday unanimously voted against a proposed rate change for basic cable services that is provided to the company by federal law.

"They've dropped three channels and want a rate increase. It seems like that's a decrease in service," said Councilman Adam Nielsen. "I can't support this. You don't reward someone for cutting back service."

"They need to listen to what customers are saying," said Councilwoman Sonja Reece.

Two of those Normal customers, Jim Armstrong and Eugene Irving, had plenty to say at a public hearing on the rate change before the council meeting.

While Armstrong said he wasn't concerned about the proposed rate change - it would allow Comcast to increase the cost of basic service to as much as $15.41 - but had general complaints about Comcast.

"They are wanting more money for less service," he said.

Armstrong said the company has taken three channels out of basic service and a he can't get a channel that was added to the lineup.

"If you vote the increase down, they'll get it anyway," he said. "I'm not happy. We don't have a choice."

Irving agreed, adding that a lot of people aren't happy.

"I'm concerned with the service I think subscribers are not getting from Comcast," Irving said.

Normal town attorney Steve Mahrt said the company can appeal to the Federal Commerce Commission and the FCC can impose the higher rate. The FCC allows cable companies to charge up to $15.81 for basic service.

Councilwoman Cheryl Gaines suggested if the council voted the measure down, "Maybe it will get Comcast's attention and they will come to speak to us.

"We're getting less for more and need to get a little loud about it," she said.