Brookhaven residents will notice an increase in the cost oftheir water and sewer and solid waste services when the new fiscalyear budget kicks in October 1, but property owners should see adecrease in property taxes when notices go out later this year.

City Clerk Mike Jinks said residents can expect their solidwaste bill to go from $16.85 per month to $19 per month.

Also, Jinks said water and sewer bills will go up one dollareach for the minimum water users who use up to 3,000 gallons. Thereare additional water rate increases for customers who usesubstantially more on a monthly basis.

Mayor Bob Massengill said the city had been absorbing part ofthe cost of the services for several years to keep the rates low.However, with the new budget in place, the board felt it was timeto address the issue since those two departments must beself-sustaining from user fees and receive no tax dollars.

The proposed water and sewer budget for the upcoming year is$2.9 million and the budget for solid waste is estimated at $1.4million.