QUINCY - Quincy is raising sewer rates by 5 percent for residents and commercial businesses.

The increase changes the base rate for residential and multi-residential users from $34.80 to $36.54, according to city records. Commercial users will see their base rate increase from $32.59 to $34.22.

"We haven't had a raise in quite some time in our rates, probably five or six years in the sewer system," Mayor Jim Hemberry said. "The only increase I'm requesting is just for rates, not for connection fees ... It's just the flat rate."

Hemberry said it will be the only rate increase for the next five years.

The increase is aimed at raising funds to expand the city's municipal wastewater treatment facility, Hemberry and City Administrator Tim Snead said. The plant is presently close to 80 percent of its capacity.

"We built 400 homes in the last four years," Snead said in an interview following the meeting. "When you hit 80 percent (the state Department of) Ecology starts making you look at expansion."

Snead isn't sure when the state will start making the city look at expanding the facility's capacity, he said.

"All I can tell you is we haven't got a letter yet. I can't tell you when they will send it, but it's going to come sometime," he said. "(There is) no time line. I'm in no hurry to spend money. I'm spending enough on the industrial wastewater plant."

The increase passed without discussion.