Louisiana’s mayor says pending water and sewer rate hikes could have been much worse.

The city anticipates a combined increase of $6.38 for the average user starting in June. The amount will be higher for some customers and lower for others.

Mayor Bart Niedner says the rate hikes could have been more than double that figure due to multiple factors.

Niedner said tax revenues instead of user fees covered deficits in the water and sewer departments over the last three years. He also said Louisiana has not taken good care of its facilities in the past and not followed its own guidelines on annual adjustments.

 In addition, further rate hikes will be needed in the coming years to pay for mandated water system improvements and sewer line testing.

Niedner said no one likes rate increases, but that the city must fix the problem or face greater financial burdens down the road. He credited City Administrator Kelly Henderson and other staff for correcting an unsustainable situation.