The city of Chattanooga is planning a 5.5 percent sewer rate increase that would raise the monthly bill of the average water user $1.35 per month.
Officials said the rate will rise 2.75 percent in October and another 2.75 percent next April.
Officials said the increase is needed for some $300,000 in debt service as well as $2.247 million in sewer treatment upgrades, additional positions and setting aside funds for future employee benefits.
The city last year had a three percent sewer rate increase.
Council members were told that the increase was part of the budget that was recently passed, though several council members said they had not been aware that it was.
With the higher rate, the charge per 5,000 gallons of use is $25.11 - up from $23.76.
Officials said that compares to $26.49 in Cleveland, $23.42 in Jackson, $50.33 in Knoxville, $24.82 in Murfreesboro and $30.59 in Nashville.
Chattanooga operates the Moccasin Bend Sewage Treatment Plant, which is the regional sewage treatment facility.