EAST PALESTINE — Village residents will notice an increase on their water and sewer bills beginning June 1 now that council has finalized legislation to enact the new rates.

Village Council approved the increase on Monday following a third reading of the legislation.

The new rate for water is now $31.09 for a minimum up to 1,000 gallons, with $4.35 charged for each additional 1,000 gallons.

Sewer rates are now set at $28.14 for a minimum up to 1,000 gallons, with each additional 1,000 gallons set at $8.10.

A flat sewer rate is also set at $54.42.

Water and sewer customers are currently paying $23.03 for a minimum of 1,000 gallons used for water and $27.32 for a minimum 1,000 gallons used for sewer.

The flat sewer rate is also currently at $52.93 per month.

The new rates were recommended by MS Consultants following a study of the village’s current rates.

MS has been working with the village for several years to recommend rates in order to help offset the cost

of infrastructure upgrades and maintenance.

According to the village, the local rates are 20 percent lower than those outside the village.

In other water and sewer matters, Village Manager Antonio Diaz-Guy said that Austin Cope has officially replaced Denny Griffith, who retired from the water and sewer departments.

Diaz-Guy also said in his report to council that March’s rain and snow totals contributed to the third highest monthly total of treated water at the wastewater plant in the last five years.

“The equalization basin continues work helping to prevent sewer back ups and sanitary sewer overflows,” he said.

He added that the entire water system was checked for leaks in an effort to stay proactive.

In addition, the village spent more $10,000 in repairs for fixing a hydrant on Garfield Avenue, replacing a hydrant on Liberty Street as a result of a water main break, and repairs to a service line leak on East North Avenue.