Look for an increase in your water bill. Charlotte County commissioners vote to increase combined water and sewer rates, starting at 7 percent by April, followed by four more yearly increases. It’s been more than two years since the last rate increase. Before the final decision, the public can weigh in during a Feb. 10 public hearing in the county building. The rates translate into a bill of $99.18 in the first year for a single family using 4,000 gallons of water per month, up from the current $92.69. By year five, it would be $125.19. Officials say much needed fixes to the decades old system required the uptick in rates.
