After several months of discussion, the Oak Ridge City Council unanimously approved significant water and sewer rate increases during a brief meeting Monday.
Information presented by the city showed rates could rise between 28 percent to 35 percent, depending upon a variety of factors, including the total number of gallons used. There will be a minimum monthly increase of $7 for the first 2,000 gallons of water and sewer, but the increases will be larger for bigger customers.
The first phase of the higher rates goes into effect May 1, and they will rise again in 2013.