Starting August 10, North Bend residents will pay a bit more for sewer service.

The city council agreed unanimously to raise rates by 8.5 percent to help the utility cope with rising costs of hauling and processing sludge, increased utility prices, and repair work to prevent pipe clogs.

In March, the Snoqualmie Valley Youth Activity Center was submerged in six inches of human waste when a pipe at the sewage treatment plant clogged with debris.

Single family customers will pay $4.12 more as a base fee for 10 cubic meters of water, and five cents more for each additional cubic meter.

Nobody spoke up when the council held a public hearing on the proposal at its June 17 regular meeting.

“We never like to increase rates or add taxes, but this is one that makes sense,” said Councilman Alan Gothelf.

“The utility is in dire need of strengthening,” agreed Councilman Ross Loudenback.