FELLSMERE — Customers of Fellsmere’s water utility can expect to pay a little bit more each month beginning October if the Fellsmere City Council approves the proposed increases during two public hearings.
Residential water customers could expect to pay between 14 cents and $1.17 more each month depending on the size of their meter. Commercial customers’ rates could go up as much as $16.35.
The wastewater monthly base charge could go up 21 cents while the gallon charge per 1,000 gallons could increase by 6 cents.
Out-of-city customers can expect to pay the in-city rates plus a 25 percent surcharge.
City Manager Jason Nunemaker told the Fellsmere City Council last week that the city’s water utility increases its charges between 1 and 2 percent each year in order to avoid massive hikes years down the road.
The proposed increases “gradually escalate” the rates so the city doesn’t have to impose 15 percent increases in 10 years, he said.
The Fellsmere City Council unanimously approved taking the proposed rate changes to the public. Two public hearings will be set for Sept. 15 and 22 at 6 p.m. to get input from the public before the rates could be adopted.
Based on the public input, the council could decide to approve the new rates or hold off on the increases.