JACKSON — Fees for the installation of water taps during the Phase V Water Project are seeing a decrease while minimum water and sewage usage are on the rise.

On Monday, the Northampton County Board of Commissioner approved both measures. Public Works Director Billy Martin brought both decisions before the board.

Martin recommended that during the Phase V Water Expansion Project, tap-on fees be reduced to $10 with a $30 deposit. The tap-on fees during construction is currently $150.

“This is an excellent opportunity for Northampton County to provide a reduced tap-on fee for our citizens who normally could not afford the set rates,” he said.

In contrast, Martin’s next decision paper for the commissioners held an increase for water bills around the county.

“This one pains me,” he said.

Faced with increased rates from the Roanoke Rapids Sanitary District (7 percent) and the town of Weldon (6 percent) for water purchased and sewer treated, Martin said a $1 increase to both residential and commercial minimums is necessary.

The increase is effective July 1.