A public hearing Monday about Langley’s proposed sewer rate hikes saw little concern, and the city council is now poised to OK the increases at its next meeting.

Four residents participated in the 40-minute hearing, though two later asked to strike from the record portions of their comments following clarification from city officials. The formal hearing was held to gather comments on a proposed six-year rate structure plan that would increase the average bimonthly bill from $100 to $121 this year. Additional increases would occur annually until 2021 when average bills would top out at $256.

Will Collins inquired about whether rates will be adjusted based upon age and income levels.

Councilman Thomas Gill said talks about including the same reduction for sewer rates have been in the works for several months.

“We just haven’t gotten to the point of finalizing that to make sure that doesn’t negatively impact the system,” Gill said.

A similar rate adjustment exists in the city’s current water rates, Clerk Treasurer Debbie Mahler said. Those who are low income, 61 or disabled can qualify for a 50 percent reduction in water rates, Mahler said.

Susan Ishikawa received clarification on the number of people who use the city’s sewer system, as well as the stipulations behind whether residents are required to be connected. Public Works Director Stan Berryman said 60 percent of residents are hooked up to the city’s system.

Properties were developed in areas that don’t currently have sewer infrastructure, he said. Berryman added that the city would like everyone to be connected, but residents are only required to do so if the sewer main is within a certain distance.

Gill said that including areas not currently in the city’s sewer system — such as Edgecliff and Sandy Point Road — are goals for the future.

“That’s one of those future pie in the sky plans to include,” Gill said. “With a few exceptions, basically everybody east of Noble Creek is not on sewer.”

Ishikawa also asked if fees will continue to rise after six years and suggested the city put detailed information on why the rates may increase in a readily accessible manner.

Councilwoman Rene Neff said entropy is common for city infrastructure and that there will always be costs attached of “some sort.” She also ventured a prediction for the next six-year rate structure starting in 2022.

“My guess is that it’s not going to stay the same or go down,” Neff said.

“This one is somewhat higher because of the long period of time where we didn’t make adjustments in the infrastructure for the sewer,” said Mayor Tim Callison. “We’re kind of playing catch up over this next six-year period. When we’re done with this program, the infrastructure should be in much better shape. As new development is occurring in Langley, we’re really trying to encourage those new developers to be in a situation where they can connect to the sewer.”

Staci McGill asked why she has to pay for sewer and stormwater drainage, but has neither.

“I don’t mind paying for something I get to use but this is not something I get to use,” McGill said. “I’ve paid for that ever since I moved into the property in 1994.”

Neff said city residents are required to pay for it regardless of whether or not they use it. Gill added that he also pays for stormwater drainage he doesn’t personally use.

“At this point in time, this discussion is dealing with the rest of the city,” Gill said. “Maybe at some point in time, we can actually get the money together and find a way to get sewer out there. I agree with you totally, it’s an archaic system.”

Edgecliff resident Carl Magnusson pointed out a minor flaw in the city’s brochure regarding the sewer rates. He said that the document showed three years of rate increases for residents up to 2017, while commercial rates only showed 2016. Gill said after the meeting that the brochure was sent out to residents and that it was meant to imply that commercial rates would receive the same step-up increases.

The council will vote whether to finalize the rates at its next meeting at 5:30 p.m. June 21 in the council chambers.