The increased rates will take effect after July 1 and amount to a 4.5 percent increase for water, a 5.5 percent increase for wastewater and a 5.5 percent increase for solid waste. The average consumer can expect to see monthly bills increase 99 cents for water, $1.08 for wastewater and $1.53 for solid waste services. A typical bill will run about $72.42 per month.

Sunnyvale utility rates are based on the city's maintenance costs. The city operates each utility as an independent enterprise and no tax revenues are used to cover the cost of services.

At the April 20 city council meeting, associate planner Tim Kirby attributed the increased cost of water and wastewater primarily to repairing aging infrastructures. He said the most significant factors driving up the price of solid waste services are a project to replace two material recovery lines at the Sunnyvale Materials Recovery and Transfer Station and inflated costs for fuel and labor.

However, Kirby said Sunnyvale residents still pay less for utilities than residents of surrounding communities.

"Sunnyvale enjoys utility rates that are about 30 percent less than other cities," he said. "This amounts to a savings of approximately $370 per household [per year]."

Sunnyvale Chamber of Commerce chairman-elect Arley Marley addressed the council to voice his approval of the increased rates.

"None of us like increases but based on the information, the Chamber supports the increase," he said. "We are aware this came about by external circumstances and aging infrastructure."

Members of the city council echoed Marley's opinion.

"No one likes rate increases but we can't live without water," Councilwoman Julia Miller said. "Hopefully we will be able to maintain a minor increase."