Ratepayers in the Rural North Vacaville Water District on Tuesday night decided to agree with a rate increase to restore the district's reserve and to keep up with maintenance costs.

The district's third-quarter year-end projected revenues for fiscal year 2007-08 are $241,569, which is $47,980 short of projected expenses. That shortage would increase to $147,737 for projected expenses in 2008-09.

After months of consideration, the board of directors approved a revised resolution that will increase incrementally over the course of the next 3 years, developed parcels will be paying a service fee of $56.69, up from $27.84; undeveloped parcels will pay $49.31, up from $20.74 and supplemental connections will pay $12.76, up from $4.86. Ratepayers will also pay an additional charge based on consumption.

More than 100 concerned residents attended the meeting on Cantelow Road.

Some complained of a lack of communication between the board of directors and the district's residents, while others agreed that an increase was the only solution.

The district had not raised rates since 2002. Members voted against a similar increase last year.

The district decided to increase rates to help with rising costs associated with increased electrical costs, maintenance and repairs to the district's water infrastructure, compliance with safe drinking water regulations, and the rebuilding of reserves for long-term maintenance.

Not approving the rates would have caused the state to become involved at some point.

"The water was so cheap all of us were using a lot," said Bob Whitehouse, president of the board of directors. "There has to be some conservation. The district badly needed an increase to stay solvent. No one wants an increase."

People were upset that some properties were using more than their fair share of water.

The next meeting is July 8 at the Fire Station at 4135 Cantelow Road, they will discuss rules and regulations - and how to discourage excessive water usage other than fining the people.