JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- JEA is proposing a 10 percent increase in its water and sewer rates in each of the next four years while also changing the way fees are structured.

The city-owned utility said the rate increase is needed to pay for loans taken to acquire and improve the water system from the city and private utilities over the past decade. With growth of the area slowing, resulting in fewer new customers, existing customers will be required to pay more.

JEA last raised its water/sewer rate 4.1 percent in October 2008.

To make sure lower-income customers are not penalized, utility managers are proposing that any home or business that uses more than 6,000 gallons per month pay a higher rate.

The board will discuss the proposal next month. A public hearing would be held before any rate hike is approved.