Jul. 2--GULFPORT -- The administration estimates the city needs to increase water and sewer rates a minimum of 15 percent for the upcoming fiscal year to cover debt payments.

Finance Director Mike Necaise said all localities in Harrison County, not just Gulfport, will soon have to grapple with how to meet the costs of utility payments coming due.

When Katrina hit, the Harrison County utility authority, composed of the county and its five cities, decided to defer debt payments for two years. Necaise said the authority had about $100 million in debt at the time.

The debt, he said, was refinanced at 7.5 percent, compared to the previous rate of 5 percent.

The deferred payments plus the higher interest rate mean Gulfport can no longer meet its debt payments with current revenue. Taking the money out of the city's general fund is not viewed as an option.

Incoming Mayor George Schloegel said he supports the rate increase over a property tax increase.

He believes utility customers should pay for the service rather than all Gulfport property owners.

"It's consumption driven," said Schloegel, who on Monday takes office along with a new City Council.

"It's got to be user-based. That's the only equitable way."

Any increase must be approved by the City Council.

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