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Water, Gas, and Light are taking steps to be fiscally responsible as they face a shortfall of two million dollars because of a mild winter.

“Everybody is looking at increased electricity prices; most of it being driven by environmental cost associated with coal plants."

The Financial Director for Water, Gas, and Light, John Vansant, says they have even dipped into their reserve account.

"Our costs have gone up by 16 million dollars. We have gone through four million dollars in our reserve just since December."

This latest rate surge did not go down easy with one customer who receives services from the company.

"By this being one of the poorest cities in America, I feel like they shouldn't go up on the rate because people are struggling now." said Tosha Dean, a Water, Gas, & Light customer.

After long debate and consideration, an unanimous vote was taken by board members to increase the utilities rates by 10 percent starting March 1st.