Sixteen cents. That’s how much more Ironton residents may have to pay per 1,000 gallons of water if city council approves an ordinance to increase its water rates.

The ordinance proposes a 3 percent increase for the water usage fee, from $5.30 per 1,000 gallons to $5.46 per 1,000 gallons. If adopted at tonight’s meeting, the change would take effect on residents’ March billing statements.

The ordinance also sets 3 percent increases in January 2014 to $5.63 and in January 2015 to $5.79.

The ordinance cites rising costs of production and distribution of the city’s water that have steadily increased and the usage increases are to “make certain the city’s water fund remains fiscally solvent.”

Also on the agenda is an ordinance to extend the city’s contract for health insurance coverage for its full-time employees through MedBen at a 3 percent increase.

Resolutions on tonight’s agenda include the city applying for Natureworks grant through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, entering into a contract with the Ironton-Lawrence County Community Action Organization and authorizing interim financing from the Ironton Port Authority to fund a portion of riverfront development while grant funds are pending.

Council will meet at 6 p.m. at the city center. There will also be a finance committee meeting at 5 p.m.