The Haines Borough Assembly last week passed an ordinance increasing water and sewer rates by 5 percent annually for the next three years, despite suggestions by two assembly members that the increases should be steeper.

The new rates go into effect May 1. The combined water/sewer rate for unmetered residential customers will gradually increase from $78.40 today to $91.20 in July 2018.

Assembly member Mike Case reiterated his belief that the borough should further increase the rates to cover expenses like replacing the dilapidated wastewater treatment plant. Case said he understood the rate structure was crafted to “ease the burden” on residents, but said “sometimes you’ve got to bite the bullet.”

Assembly member George Campbell agreed with Case that the rate structure put before the assembly for passage didn’t include enough of a hike. “I really feel we need to increase the rates. To me, this is a start,” Campbell said.

Manager David Sosa said in the event of an emergency with the wastewater treatment plant, the borough can always get a loan for the first phase of its replacement.

The borough also has several other options for the project, Sosa said, including a legislative grant request, the potential to apply for a Department of Environmental Conservation grant, and the ability to take money out of the permanent fund by a vote of the people.

The ordinance also nearly doubled the seasonal turn-on, turn-off fee, which allows customers to pay a reduced rate on their utilities when they are out of town or not living in the residence for extended periods of time. It increased the fee from $45 to $85.