Coupeville Town Council is anticipated next week to approve new utility rates that will increase the average homeowner’s bill by $42.

If approved during the regular council meeting Tuesday, the new rates will go into effect Oct. 1 and customers will see increases to their October/November bill, which should come the end of November, Mayor Molly Hughes said.

The approval of new sewer and stormwater rates comes after several workshops, public meetings and a public hearing that was held last week.

Only one resident spoke during the public hearing.

Coupeville resident MJ Durand said she was concerned about the rate increases for residents who were on fixed incomes. She asked about those residents who conserve water throughout the year and if the town had factored in summer rates.

Hughes said the rates factor in summer rate increases and that customers will have some control over their sewer bills by their consumption.

By law, the town is required to charge utilities rates that will cover the cost of infrastructure, general operations and maintenance as well as staff time.

Coupeville has not increased its utility rate in 14 years and currently the town is not in compliance with the law, officials said.

Water rates haven’t increased in 20 years, but because the town recently sold a conservation easement at one of its well sites, water utility coffers are full enough not to warrant an increase now, Hughes said.

The proposed stormwater tax would be a new fee, if approved by the council. It breaks down to $10 a month.

The proposed increase would cost an average residential utility customer an additional $42 on each two-month bill for the first year. Then there will be a “modest” percent increase each following year for four years.

Worked into the rate structure is a vehicle replacement plan and equipment replacement, as well as additional staff positions for sewer, stormwater and for hiring a town engineer.