Water and sewer users in Welsh could soon see an increase on their monthly bills as a result of action taken Tuesday by town officials.

The increase was introduced by the Welsh Board of Aldermen at its monthly meeting pending final approval following a public hearing set for 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15.

The proposed increases for water and sewer utility rates are needed in order to operate the town’s water and sewer departments on a slightly profitable basis, according to town auditor Burton Kolder.

The town is currently $93,087 in the hole in the town’s water department, according to Mayor Karl Arceneaux. In addition, he said if the town did not have the sewer dump fees, the sewer department would also a $57,384 deficit.

Under the proposed measure, water rates for residential users would increase from $10.20 at a base rate for the first 2,000 gallons to $11 and $4 per thousand gallons after that instead of the current $2.83 rate, Arceneaux said.

“If we are cheap on the front end, then more on the thousand gallons after that, then somebody that is only using a couple of thousands, like an older person, it is not going to affect them at all,” Arceneaux said. “But somebody that is wasting water, it is going to affect them and that’s why I like the lower fee on the first 2,000 gallons and more after that.”

Basic sewer rates would also go from $6.88 per the first 2,000 gallons to $9, under the proposed plan. The rate would increase from $3.77 per thousand gallons afterwards to $5.50 per thousand gallons after the initial 2,000 gallons.

Both rates would be slightly higher for commercial users.

The increase would affect about 1,400 water customers and 1,200 sewer customers, according to Town Clerk Eva Kidoeaux.

Alderman Ronnie Hayes agreed with the proposed increase saying it will bring the town’s utility rates “more in line” with where the rates should be.

In comparing the rates, Arceneaux said Jeff Davis Central Waterworks has a current flat rate of $14 for the first 2,000 gallons and $3 for every additional 1,000 gallons. Jennings is $15 for the first 2,000 gallons and $2.51 per thousand gallons afterwards.

This is the third rate increase since August 2021 with the last increase taking effect Jan. 1, 2023, but those increases have not been enough, Kidoeaux said.

Kibodeaux said based on what the auditor has stated, the town should not have to increase the rates anytime in the future.

However, Arceneaux said the town should review the rates after every audit to see where the town is financially.

The board also agreed to consider increasing the current water and sewer tap rates. The town currently charges $250 each for installation of the water meter and sewer tap to allow  customers to connect to both systems.