(KMZA)--Water rates for customers of the city of Seneca will be going up.

The Seneca City Council, at their January 2nd meeting, approved new water rates as presented by City Administrator Steve Brooks on a 5-1 vote, with Council member Mike Stallbaumer casting the lone dissenting vote.

Brooks said the average residential customer will see a $20 to $30 monthly increase, while customers using the least amount of water will see a $6.50 increase.

He said the rate increase is needed to fund operational costs and capital improvements--including a proposed new water treatment plant.

Water rates have not been increased for sometime, and Brooks said the current rates are not covering costs.

The water rate proposal, as approved by the Council, includes an automatic 3 percent annual base rate increase and abolishment of a special rate that had been established for the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital.

The Council will consider the approval of an ordinance at their next meeting implementing the new water rates, which will take effect in February.