Athens residents will see an increase in their water and sewer bills during the February billing cycle as a result of action taken in October by the Athens City Council.

In a move to “offset inflation,” the council approved a measure that calls for water and sewer rates to automatically increase each year. The 2.5-percent increase in sewer rates took effect Jan. 1. The 3-percent increase in the water rates will become effective July 1.

“It’s hard to say just how much those rates will increase to the average household, but the basic household rates will likely increase $6 to $8 per month,” said Kent Lewter, financial officer with Athens Utilities.

“We put this on last Oct. 1, and it’s on there for an indefinite period,” said Athens City Councilman Harold Wales. “We did it to offset inflation.”

The basic monthly water rate inside the Athens city limits is $6.55 per month, Lewter said. Sewer is $2.67 per month based on the first 1,000 gallons used.

Lewter said estimated figures show Athens will gain $75,000 to $80,000 in revenue annually from household customers alone due to the rate increase. He did not estimate the increased revenue from commercial customers.

“We are cheaper than anywhere else,” Wales said. “Of course, we don’t want these locked-in increases to go on forever, and at some point and time we’ll have to go in and reduce the rates. But right now, it’s indefinite.”

Athens Mayor Dan Williams said the city went for years without increasing water and sewer rates.

“When I came on the council, it had been 30 years since the water rates were increased,” Williams said. “When we do a bond issue, we have to set the rates. This will allow us to increase it gradually rather than having to increase it 30 percent at one time. A gradual increase is better for utilities, especially since no taxes can be used.”