SILVERHILL, Ala. — Increased water rates for the town of Silverhill went into effect Monday with the passage of Ordinance 379.

By passing the ordinance, the council voted to increaqse rates 5 percent for in-town customers, and 25 percent for out-of-town customers.

The ordinance also placed a $500 deposit on the use of a water meter for fire hydrants.

The council voted to pass both measures at its meeting June 2. This is the first increase for the town’s water customers since 2001.

Town council members said the rate increases were necessary because of expenses occurred in building the town’s just recently completed well, plus added maintenance expenses for the upkeep of the well, which is larger than the previous well.

To help families on fixed incomes the council voted not to raise basic rates for usage of up to 2,000 gallons per month, which are $18.79 per month for in-town customers and $21.05 for out-of-town custmers.

For customers using 2,001 gallons to 4,000 gallons that means an increase from, in addition to the basic rate, $5.50 per 1,000 gallons to $5.78 per 1,000 gallons for in-town customers and from $5.80 per 1,000 gallons to $7.25 per thousand gallons, plus the basic rate.

For over 4,000 gallons, the rate increased from $3.30 per 1,000 gallons to $3.47 per 1,000 gallons for in-town customers and from $3.50 per 1,000 gallons to $4.38 per 1,000 gallons for out-of-town customers. Those rates will be added to the basic rates, plus applicable rates for the first 4,000 gallons used.

The ordinance passed unanimously. Council member Steve Brooks was not present at Monday’s meeting.

In other business, the council passed Ordinance 380, putting into effect an increase from $25 to $50 for election qualification fees. Council member Michael Allegri and council member John Ullrich voted against the measure, which passed 3-2.

The council also passed Ordinance 406 in compliance with Section 14.2.4 of the Code of Alabama designating the AutoMark 75,000 for use by handicapped voters for upcoming elections.