SOUTH POINT — South Point’s village council voted at a May 10 meeting for an increase in water and sewer rates.

The increase of $2.50 per month for each was the first hike in four years and Mayor Jeff Gaskin said he wants residents to know the move was necessary and the funds will be put to good use.

“A good portion of the money will be for debt service,” he said.

Gaskin said the village is borrowing $200,000 for improvements and maintenance on the water system.

“Our three water tanks have to be painted on the outside and the smaller tank needs sandblasted and coated on the inside,” he said.

Gaskin said improvements are needed on the sewage system, but for those upgrades, the village will finance as it goes.

“At the sewage plant, we have to do prefiltering of fibers of the system and do upgrades and repairs,” he said.

Gaskin said the water rates in South Point will still be close to the lowest in the state and all council members at the meeting made a pledge of no water meters for the village.