MANSFIELD - Residents will see a rise in their sewer and water bills after selectmen approved new rates for the next fiscal year.

The board approved a 12 percent hike in sewer rates, effective Monday, as part of a plan to pay for an upgrade of the town's sewage treatment plant. The plan was first presented to residents in 2006.

Under the rate increase, the average family of four will see their yearly bill rise from $476.86 to $534.09, assuming they pay their bill within 30 days to receive a 10 percent discount.

The average family of two will see there bill increase from $238.43 to $267.04.

Selectmen also approved a 4 percent increase in water rates, also effective Monday. The initial water department budget called for an 8 percent increase, but, because of budget cutbacks, only the smaller increase was needed. For residents with small three-quarter-inch pipes and using 800 cubic feet of water, the monthly bill will jump from $28.09 to $29.22, assuming the 10 percent discount for paying the bill quickly.

In presenting the new rates to selectmen, Public Works Director Lee Azinheira said Mansfield's water rates are only slightly above the state average, while the sewer rates actually fall below the state average.

MATT KAKLEY covers Mansfield for The Sun Chronicle. He can be reached at 508-236-0333 or at mkakley@thesunchronicle.com.