The Cedar Bluff Utilities Board has approved an increase in water rates for its customers.

Following some lengthy discussion during their regular meeting on Tuesday, the board unanimously agreed to increase water rates to  $6.93 per one thousand gallons over 2,000. The minimum of $21.25 for the first 2,000 gallons will remain the same.

The board also unanimously voted to add an additional $2 to the minimum sewage rate, taking from $21.25 for a minimum bill to $23.25. Officials with the board say that this rate increase is necessary in order to cover the cost of operations, such an increase has not been acted on by the Cedar Bluff Utility Board in a number of years. The new rates will not take effect until September 1st.

The deposit for new customers will also see an increase from $150 to $400 – this is being done due to a large amount of customers that left the utilities board with large unpaid bills.

In other business, the board approved the minutes from their previous meeting, approved the bills for payments and accepted the monthly report from Manager Jeff Harrell.