THIBODAUX, La. (AP) — The Thibodaux City Council has approved a sewer rate hike to pay for a $7 million wastewater treatment plant on the city's north side and put wastewater treatment into the black.

The Daily Comet reports that Councilman Chip Badeaux cast the only "nay" vote on Tuesday.

Over three years, the measure will add $1.09 to the current $2.26 per 1,000 gallons of water.

Mayor Tommy Eschete estimates the average family uses 7,000 gallons of water a month. After three years, a family using that much water would pay $23.45 a month, up from $15.82.

Nearly half the new money will end years of red ink in the city's wastewater accounts.

Eschete says about $1 million will pay for dredging the containment lagoon at the south side treatment plant.

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