WINTON – All good things must come to an end.

Over the past two years, the Winton Board of Commissioners have cut the town’s water and sewer budgets in an effort to maintain the consumer rates Winton charges for those services.

However, according to state law, all municipalities that offer water and sewer are required to have those services financially self-supporting.

Thusly, with the rising costs of gas, chemicals and maintenance, the Winton Commissioners found themselves in a position where they could no longer offset those rising costs by cutting the water/sewer budgets.

At a recent meeting, the Winton Commissioners voted to raise the water rates effective Feb. 1.

According to figures provided by Winton Town Administrator Joseph Futrell, a typical in-town water customer who uses 5,000 gallons monthly will see their water bill increase from $13.45 to $24 per month. Out-of-town water customers typically using 5,000 gallons a month will experience an increase from $22.14 to $33 per month.

Even with the new rates, Futrell said according to a statewide survey, Winton water customers are still paying less than other consumers living in towns comparable in size. The survey revealed that Winton, accounting for the increase, charges $3.01 below average for in-town water service and $4.08 below average for out-of-town customers.

“The Town of Winton Mayor and the Board of Commissioners regret having to approve this increase and will work diligently to find ways to keep the costs and the rates down as much as possible,” Futrell said.