PHILIPPI, W.Va. (WBOY) — The City of Philippi announced Wednesday that it plans to increase its sewer rates by 79% so that it can afford a necessary line replacement.

The city said that increasing the rates now is the most cost-effective option for residents and the city because delaying the replacement of a partially collapsed sewer line will cost even more and could put some funding that the city has already secured in jeopardy.

In an announcement on social media, the city said it has $2.2 million in funding that will not need to be repaid, but to offset the additional cost, an independent accountant estimated that an increase of 79% for residents, a minimum increase of $22.55 per month, is needed to meet West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection standards and keep the city'

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