GREENFIELD — Water and sewer rates are set to increase by 9.5% and 9.7%, respectively, on Jan. 1, the city announced this week.

The increases will see the water rate go from $4.35 per 100 cubic feet to $4.76 per 100 cubic feet and sewer rates go from $7.30 per 100 cubic feet to $8.01 per 100 cubic feet.

Mayor Ginny Desorgher said the rate increases are in response to the effects of inflation touching many aspects of municipal governance.

“The cost of everything has gone up,” Desorgher said. “The price of doing the business has gone up. The cost of paying our employees has gone up because we are paying our folks a good wage.”

Sewer and water rates support the Department of Public Works operating budget and capital projects, and provide retained earnings for catastrophic emergencies or unforeseen regulatory events. The DPW’s Water and Sewer Enterprise Fund also supports department equipment and vehicle purchases.

The increases are in line with previous ones over the last several years. Since 2022, the water rates have increased by 7.5%, 8.75% and now 9.5%, while sewer rates have risen by 9%, 9.7% and now 9.7% again.

Last year, DPW Director Marlo Warner II explained money collected for water and sewer infrastructure, which will go toward the DPW’s Water and Sewer Enterprise Fund, will be used for regular maintenance and capital projects, with some being set aside for emergencies or unforeseen events.

Similar to what Desorgher said this year, Warner cited the rising costs of materials and supplies, including the chemicals to treat water and sewage, as being among the drivers of the increases.

Money raised also goes toward infrastructure repairs, such as burst pipes, and other general equipment and infrastructure upgrades.

Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com.