May 1st, 2013 by WCBC Radio

With an eye toward the future, and taking a businesslike approach to the situation- the Cumberland Mayor and City Council reached consensus Tuesday night to move forward with a 20% increase in sewer rates for the upcoming fiscal year.  The action is designed to bring the sewer fund out of debt, and to provide a slight surplus in the account. In implementing such a large hike, the city hopes to avoid having to approve a series of incremental increases over the next few years. City Administrator Jeff Rhodes and Comptroller Joe Urban provided an overview of the situation- and the numbers show that a 20% increase will mean an average hike of around $35 annually, or 6 to 7 dollars additional per sewer bill. The increase is for sewer service only and does not involve water, trash or property taxes.  Mayor Brian Grim….