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By Joseph Froemming

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Council approves utility rate hike for FF [UPDATED]

Published 9:53am Tuesday, February 5, 2013 Updated 11:58am Tuesday, February 5, 2013

After hearing a report from city finance director Bill Sonmor, the council voted Monday to approve a resolution to raise rates on water, garbage and the storm drain fee in Fergus Falls.

For the average homeowner, the change to their utility bill will be an increase of about $3.13 a month. Currently, the average bill is $90.64. With the utility increases, that bill will go up to $93.77.

According to Sonmor, the rates are going up because operating costs go up each year.

Water fees will increase from $7.95 to $8.35 per month for all customers. The city will also increase the per-1,000 gallon rate for customers that use more than 25,000 gallons in three months by five percent.

Garbage rates will be increased by eight and a half percent, and refuse disposal fees will increase by ten and a half percent. The flat rate for the storm drain fee will see a $.25 increase. Sewage and recycling rates would not be increased. The utility rate hikes will take effect March 1.