Bethlehem Village Council is considering increasing residents' water rates by 20 percent and sewer rates by 35 percent - but not before allowing people to comment on the proposed hikes.

Public hearings on the matters are scheduled for 8 p.m. July 20 at the Municipal Building at Community Park. After the hearings, council will consider adoption of both the water and sewer rates. The first readings of the ordinances were conducted July 6. If adopted, both rates would become effective Oct. 1

According to a news release from the village, the hikes are necessary to offset increases imposed on the village by the city of Wheeling. Bethlehem buys water from Wheeling, and its sewage is treated by Wheeling.

The overall water rate increase would be 20 percent, which would equal an average monthly increase of $4.22 for residents and $5.01 for businesses. The increased costs also are based on consumption. For example, those who use up to 3,000 gallons would be charged an additional $2.64 per month, while 6,000 gallons would equal $5.01 more per month.

According to the news release, if approved, this would be the fourth time the village has hiked its water rate since 1984.

The overall sewer rate increase would be 35 percent, which would equal an average monthly increase of $8.04 for residents and $10.76 for businesses. Sewer rate increases also are based on consumption. For example, those who use up to 3,000 gallons per month would be charged an extra $5.16 per month for sewage, while 6,000 gallons would equal $9.48 more per month.

''We think a change of some type has to be passed on. It's one of those things you don't like to do ... unless you have to,'' said village Recorder Don Junkins.

He noted the village has been able to absorb service increases in the past, but the proposed hikes are necessary. Residents are permitted, he said, to protest the increases with the state Public Service Commission. Junkins added that in the past, the state PSC has actually recommended that the village impose higher fees than originally called for.

''We don't want to be overwhelmed. ... But we need to deal with it. We have to pass it through to the residents,'' Junkins said.