GREENVILLE — When residents receive their wastewater bills later this year, they can expect to see an increase in cost — a trend expected to continue for three years.

In return, Greenville will see the completion of the largest municipal project in its history — a $24 million renovation and expansion project of the wastewater treatment facility.

The Greenville City Council voted unanimously on March 2, with Commissioner Jay Linton absent, to increase the current sewer rate by 16%, effective July 1.

On average, the city estimates the monthly impact on residents to be an increase of $3.69 ($44.28 per year) for an average monthly bill of $26.74

Currently, the city is projecting 16% increases in 2022 and 2023 as well.

In 2022, the monthly impact on residents would be an increase of $4.28 ($51.36 per year) for an average monthly bill of $31.02

In 2023, the monthly impact on residents would be an increase of $4.96 ($52.32 per year) for an average monthly bill of $35.99.

In that span of three years, residents would see their wastewater bill rise from a current average of $23.06 to $35.99 — an increase of $12.93 per month — which equals out to an average yearly increase of $155.16.