Utility rates are officially set to go up in the City of Washington on July 1st.

The third and final reading of the ordinance was approved unanimously by the council at their recent special session meeting. Councilman Kerry Janecek said it’s not pleasant to raise the rates, but understands the need. City Administrator Brent Hinson explained they aim to keep the increases as small as possible. Hinson said if your bill is usually $100 it will increase$2-5. The new rates will be $17.85 for water minimum charge and $3.84 for water usage, the minimum charge for sewer will be $31.50 while usage will be $3.83. Garbage stickers and bag fees will stay the same, $90 and $2 respectively, but the monthly charge will increase 35-cents to $7.35.