Goshen residents can expect to see a $2.50 increase in their monthly water bills, beginning June 1.

The Goshen City Council approved an increase in resident’s water bills.

Water bills have been $8 a month for the first 2,000 gallons used, with a $2 increase for every 1,000 gallons after the original 2,000.

Now, residents can expect to pay $10.50 a month for the first 2,000 gallons used, and $2.25 for every 1,000 gallons used after the original 2,000.

Goshen Mayor Jack Waller said although the city council did not want to increase costs, they felt as if they had to.

“We don’t want to sell out to Pike County Water, and we are just barely breaking even with the money we are receiving now,” Waller said. “We need to do work on our water system. Our last bid for work fell at $30,000. The tank needs to be cleaned every other year.”

Carter Sanders, the mayor pro-temp of Goshen, said although people would not like the rate increase, it was something that had to be done.

“I wish we could have free water, but that’s not the real world. Rates everywhere are going up because of the economy, and we were more than 50 percent below the state average,” Sanders said.

The council also approved a motion to sell the TDS building, as it is not being used by the council.

Waller said the council had the right to refuse any offers made on the building.

“The building has been empty for eight months, and we would like to see some use made of it. We will start accepting bids immediately until May 14, the day of our next council meeting,” Waller said.

“We do have the right to refuse any and all bids. We’re hoping to make a small profit that would go directly into the general fund for the city.”