After years of steady, low rates, the residents of Elk Ridge may be facing elevated sewer fees this year.

City Councilman Nelson Abbott said the idea behind the increase is not to raise money for the city, but just to break even on sewer costs. The city contracts with Payson City for sewer services, and Abbott said most of the residents' $24 monthly fee goes to Payson.

"Currently, the city only keeps $2 of that," he said.

With that $2 from 523 connections, Abbott said the city can barely pay the wages for the workers that maintain the system. The city is considering raising the rates by about 30 percent, or $10 each month. Abbott said the move has been considered for years, and the change is expected to take place July 1 to coincide with the new budget.

The current income from sewer fees does not meet what the city pays, and Abbott said the service is not one that can be overlooked.

"You've always got to be able to flush the toilet," he said.

Abbott said the new sewer fees will help to pay for the costs of the system, but it will also help to fund necessary repairs. While the current pipes are still good, two-thirds of the town has 30-year-old pipes, and they will need to undergo repairs at some point.

Curtis Roberts, finance director for the city, said the cost of sewer services has gone up in some parts due to changing contracts from Salem City to Payson City. Salem's sewer pond system was reaching capacity, so Elk Ridge was forced to switch to Payson to avoid denying their residents sewer service.

Payson City's services are more expensive than Salem because the system is more advanced, Roberts said. The city is also trying to look out for its own financial future in raising rates to save for future repairs. Some cities have raised rates to catch up with bonds or other payments, and rates must be raised again when something breaks, he said.

Instead, Elk Ridge's rates are increasing to prepare in advance for any repairs and to avoid taking out new bonds. Instead of doubling the rates when a break occurs, Roberts said the rates will be raised little by little as needed.

"That's what we're trying to do with this sewer adjustment, is create a long-term strategy," he said.

Jan Davis, city recorder, said a public meeting will be held next week to inform the public of the changes that will take place on their sewer bills. Davis said the rates have not been raised for years, and it was necessary to make a change sometime.

"Like any other utility, you need to meet your costs," she said.

The public meeting will be held at 7:15 p.m. June 10 at the city offices, 80 E. Park Drive.