Monthly water and sewer rates will increase by $3.25 in January after the Troy City Council Tuesday approved an ordinance to increase rates by a total of $9.75 over the next three years.

The vote passed 4-0-1 with councilwoman Stephanie Baker, District 4, abstaining.

The new ordinance will increase water customers’ monthly bills by $1.25 beginning in January and sewer customers will see an increase of $2 a month.

The council was first presented the recommendation to increase rates in February when Jackson Thornton representatives revealed that the utilities were each underfunded by more than $300,000.

Mayor Jason Reeves said that, even with the increases, the rates would remain among the lowest in the region and in the state.

“We’re fortunate to have the lowest water rates around this region,” Reeves said. “Three years from now, it will be about $1 less per month for 10,000 gallons of water in Troy than it is in Dothan; that’s factoring in the increases.”

Baker said the rates would remain the lowest in the state even after the increases.

“On a national level, our current cost of access is within the lowest 1 percent,” Baker said. “Having the lowest utility rates in our state is something we are proud to claim and will continue to claim, even with the incremental adjustments. Not only does this provide significant savings for our citizens, this also provides a competitive advantage in recruiting and expanding business.”

The rates will increase by $3.25 again in January 2020 and another $3.25 in January 2021, bringing the total combined increase to $9.75 per month.

The Troy City Council is scheduled to meet again at City Hall on Tuesday, October 23. The executive committee will meet upstairs at 4 p.m. and the council will convene at 5 p.m. in the City Council Chambers.