Paden City Council will hold a special meeting later this month to discuss a proposed sewer rate increase in the city.

This meeting, scheduled for Nov. 26 in council chambers, will mark the second reading of the proposed ordinance, which is meant to raise revenue by increasing rates 10 percent to users of the Paden City sewer system. According to Paden City Mayor John Hopkins, the additional charge should be somewhere in the neighborhood of $2.50 per bill.

“When you look at it, it’s not 10 percent of the total bill,” he said. “It’s 10 percent of the sewer system rate.”

The proposed ordinance came about following an assessment of expenses and data cost in which accountants determined that a price increase was necessary. Hopkins seconded that, adding that periodic rate increases are necessary about every five years. The last sewer rate increase in Paden City was about six years ago.

The extra intake is meant to cover the cost of the sewer system, as well as to insure against emergencies. If the amendment is adopted, the new rates will go into effect beginning Jan. 1.

Copies of the proposed ordinance may be inspected by the public during regular business hours at the Paden City Municipal Building by contacting Tamra Billiter, Paden City recorder, or Julie Efaw, utility clerk. All interested parties may appear at the meeting and be heard in reference to the proposed ordinance.