BONNERS FERRY — The cost of small rooms could be the same as large rooms at the Boundary County Restorium if a proposed increase in room rates is approved.

The Boundary County Restorium Advisory Board is recommending small room rates increase from $1,351 to $1,752 per month.

The increase would only apply to new residents.

Current residents would remain at the lower rate. There are 18 small rooms at the Restorium.

The difference between the large and small room is an extra closet and extra sink space, said Larry Dirks, Boundary County Restorium Advisory Board Chairman.

The services provided are the same whether residents are in a small or large rooms.

The Boundary County Restorium Advisory Board is also proposing a three percent rate increase for all residents effective Oct. 1.

“We need to plan for the future,” said LeAlan Pinkerton, Boundary County Commissioner. “It is important that we make the Community Restorium successful. It needs to pay for itself as much as it can.”

“We need to look out for the long-term best interest,” said Dan Dinning, Boundary County Commissioner Chair.

Any increase greater than five percent requires a public hearing.