City of Kearney Aldermen approved a water and sewer rate increase to keep up with rising costs of providing clean water and sewer services at the Feb. 18, city meeting.

City Finance Director Stephanie Harris said the increased rate for residents is due to increased costs of energy, chemicals and equipment to the city to provide safe drinking water and wastewater services.

“These costs have increased significantly over the last couple of years, and we do not have any indication that trend is going to change,” said Harris. In addition, in order to expand the capacity as our city continues to grow and replace our aging infrastructure we need to begin planning and preparing for those changes.”

The city increased water and sewer rates at this time last year. Harris reported that the average Kearney household uses 3,000 gallons of water each month, and at the new rate the average water and sewer bill would increase $3.78 per month per household.

City Administrator Sheila Ernzen told KPGZ News on February 5 that the new water and sewer rates would go into effect after approval from the Board.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.