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The City of Thompson Falls is pursuing an increase to water and sewer rates for the first time in seven years. The City Council voted on Monday to pursue the increase. A public hearing will be held before the council makes a decision at its May meeting.

The city is proposing an increase in the base residential and commercial water rate from $38.85 a month to $40 a month and $1.50 for each 1,000 gallons used. The current $38.85 monthly base rate includes 8,000 gallons a month. The proposed change also includes doing away with the vacation rate, which currently is $21.90 a month.

With the sewer, the city is proposing increasing the base rate from $38 a month with 4,000 gallons included to $40 a month base and a $4.10 charge for each 1,000 gallons used. The proposed commercial sewer rate would remain at $45 a month, but users would be charged $4.10 for each 1,000 gallons used. Currently, there is no additional charge up to 4,000 gallons.

City Clerk Chelsea Peterson noted at the Monday meeting that ates have not been raised since 2011, but that maintenance and operations costs have increased. Mayor Mark Sheets noted that an audit report found that the city was not charging enough in sewer and water fees to meet loan and debt obligations. Sheets also said that there is no money set aside for capital improvements, and that increasing rates “will allow us to do that.”

The City Council voted in favor of the intent to raise water and sewer rates. “I don’t think we have a choice on this,” said Council member Tom Eggensperger. “We need to get this system stabilized.”

The public hearing is set for 7 p.m. May 1 at City Hall. From there, the City Council will vote on a resolution regarding water and sewer and rates at its May 14 meeting.