The Maple Valley City Council will be considering an increase in surface water management utility rates in the coming months.

Public Works Director Steve Clark presented the members with two options Monday at the City Council Workshop.

The first was to not increase the rates. According to Clark the rate has not been increased since 1998.

In the memo presented to the council this option would mean expenses for the system “exceed revenues and the city’s existing $1.8 million fund balance would be depleted in 2014.”

The city maintains a fund balance in case of a failure in the system.

According to the memo no increase would mean a $5.5 million deficit by 2020 in the surface water management fund.

Option No. 2 is recommended by the staff, which increases rates each year.

Under the second option, the rates would raise 50 cents in 2010 for residential customers. The current rate is $7.09 per ERU or equivalent residential unit and would increase to $7.59 in 2010.

In 2011 the rate would jump to $8.59 and 9.59 in 2012.

Clark had the rate increases worked out for 10 years with $14.89 in 2020.

The council did not want to adopt plan the through 2020, but gave the nod to consider a three year plan.

“The problem is any increase in taxes is not popular,” Councilwoman Linda Johnson.

Councilman Dave Pilgrim said he did not, “like the idea of raising fees. The first two, maybe three, but I’m not willing to go further out and I want a public hearing.”

City Manager David Johnston said the city is “working on a more realistic surface water plan” that will provide funds for the system into the future.

The city is mandated by the federal and state government to manage storm water in the city.