The Clermont County Commissioners are expected to consider a measure Feb. 13 that will decide if county water and sewage rates are raised or not. The proposed rate hike wold be the first such hike in more than a decade.

“I think it’s important to note that we haven’t had a rate increase in 13 years,” said Clermont County Office of Public Information Director Kathy Lehr. “In fact, in 2000 we had a rate decrease.”

According to Lehr, the commissioners want to make an informed decision concerning the rate hike, which was proposed a few weeks ago. The decision is expected to be handed down during the Feb. 13 meeting, but may be held over until a later date.

“The county operates the water and sewer system,” said Lehr. “By maximizing efficiency, we operate everything in-house, which helps us to run things efficiently and as customer-friendly as we can. Some things just get old and need fixed.”