Some doubt that the recent trend will last; others question whether workers will benefit even if costs remain under control.

But the basic yearly cost of the pension increase to the city would remain at $105 million.

The final cost of the bill grew almost by the hour, and remained in doubt at the close.

However the costs of infrastructure would remain with the existing water companies.

Inflated cost remained until farmers were able to meet demand again in early 2007.

Whether it was worth the cost remains to be seen.

At the same time, the cost of raw materials, like oil, has remained relatively flat.

Indeed, retail costs have fallen only slightly in recent days and still remain significantly higher than they were earlier this year.

Also, the cost of the presentation remains at issue.

The cost of a work, meanwhile, which is usually discounted about 10 percent for regular customers, remains at full price.