The city of Bothell has moved to increase its water and sanitary rates, officials say in response to rate increases adopted by the King County Council.

With utility service provided by the Northshore Utility District (NUD), will Kenmore residents see increases, as well?

“We are saying that rates will increase, however, at this time we have idea how much,” said NUD Finance Director Jack Broyles.

Broyles also said information on potential NUD rate increases was included in the most recent district newsletter, provided to all district customers.

According to information provided by Broyles, in June, King County hiked its sewer treatment rates for single-family residences by 13.2 percent, or from $31.90 to $36.10 per month. The increase takes effect Jan. 1, 2011.

For NUD customers, rates will be set after the NUD board approves its budget for the coming year. The NUD has two public hearings on rates scheduled for February. New rates should take hold for any bills sent out after March 15. Mailings will notify customers of how much of an increase to expect.

Via the newsletter article, Broyles argues the NUD has taken steps to control costs such as leaving several vacant positions unfilled and putting off certain equipment purchases.

At the same time, construction contracts for capital improvements have been accelerated to take advantage of low bids resulting from the current economic environment. The district reported contracts are coming in up to 40 percent below estimates.