For the second consecutive year, Garden City residents will see a 5 percent rise in their water rate. Trustees approved the increase at the May 22 board meeting.

The past rate was 16.80 per 1,000 cubic feet for those who used between 2,000 and 6,000 cubic feet, while the rate was 25.20 for those who used more than 6,000 cubic feet.

As of June 1, Village Auditor James Olivo noted the new rate is now 17.65 per 1,000 cubic feet for those using between 2,000 and 6,000 cubic feet, and 26.50 for those using more than 6,000 cubic feet.

"We are charging more for higher consumers in an effort to foster conservation," Olivo told Garden City Life. "We want people to conserve."

Olivo added that this latest increase was necessary because of the "extensive capital project investments made in adding treatment facilities to the system." He added too that electric and chemical costs have also risen, along with other operating costs.