The Plymouth Common Council held a public hearing on a sewer rate increase for users to fund a major improvement project for the Sewer Department.

John Julien from Umbaugh and Associates, the city’s financial consultants said after a rate study the recommendation is to increase sewer rates by 17%.

The rate increase will fund a bond issue for a $10 million project.

Julien told council members that city residents pay an average of $28.84 for 5,000 gallons of of usage while the state’s average for the same gallons is $41.27. He said, “Your rates are extremely competitive.” He actually listed a number of communities of similar sizes and Plymouth was at the bottom. Joking he said even with the 17% increase Plymouth’s rate will still be at the bottom of the list of communities.

The Common Council unanimously approved the ordinance on second and third reading.