For the first time in 16 years, Lehighton residents will see a slight increase in their sewer rates.

On a 6-0 vote, borough council on Monday agreed to raise the rate by $6 per month starting in August. Councilman Joe Flickinger was absent.

Borough Manager Nicole Beckett said the borough’s Finance and Administration Committee had previously recommended that council at some point approve an increase.

Beckett said the last time the borough has raised the sewer rate was back in 2004, and presented council with options ranging from a $4, $6, or $8 per month increase.

Before the vote, Councilman Ryan Saunders said he favored the $6 per month increase, but added he didn’t believe it was something that had to be implemented immediately.

That means that come August, residents will pay $42 per month on their sewer rates, up from the current $36 per month rate.

Beckett said the increase is necessary as the borough keeps an eye toward sewer and infrastructure upgrades.