STRUTHERS, Ohio - A valley city is one step closer to increasing its sewer rates for the first time in over a quarter century, but would still have cheaper costs than any other municipality in Ohio

Struthers Mayor, Cat Cercone Miller tells 21 News that the city is in desperate need of an increase because of where there funds are currently. Mayor Miller says their waste water department is an enterprise fund, meaning they cannot intermingle general funds money.

The city conducted a sewer rate study, and after presenting it on Wednesday, have decided to advance the measure to the council agenda next week.

There will be three readings on the study in the coming months. Struthers residents will get to have a say on the issue and after the three readings, city council says they will vote.

Despite the proposed sewer rate increase from slightly over $3 to $4.50, Mayor Miller tells says its sewer rate will still be the lowest in the state of Ohio.