Water, garbage rates to increase this month

Residents in Whitefish will see an increase on their water and garbage bill beginning this month.

Whitefish Mayor John Muhlfeld broke a 3-3 vote Monday approving a rate increase of 3 percent on garbage and 5.7 percent on water and wastewater. Councilors Phil Mitchell, Bill Kahle and Chris Hyatt were in opposition.

The increase in water and wastewater will amount to an additional charge of about $4.25 per month for a typical family. The 3 percent garbage increase will result in an additional charge of about 25 cents.

Councilor Richard Hildner said the increase allows the city to build a reserve for future projects, including a possible mandatory upgrade to the wastewater treatment facility that is estimated to cost $10 million to $15 million.

The water rate increase is based on the Consumer Price Index.