But Bud Zirker and his neighbors were shocked by the one received Tuesday.

It was a bill from the Cottonwood Improvement District. And it was 500 percent higher than the one he got last year.

"I'm not complaining about the price," he said. "I'm complaining about the [amount of increase]."

For residents in the district - it covers Cottonwood Heights and parts of Sandy and Murray - it is their first sewer-rate increase in years. Rates were reduced in 1996 and 1998.

The district's board of trustees approved the increase Dec. 19, a vote that moved annual fees from $36 to $144.

Residents such as Zirker, who paid the entire amount at one time instead of making quarterly payments, were given a $12 discount and had been charged $24 annually. So Zirker's bill jumped by 500 percent.

James Faulkner, general manager for the district, was unavailable Wednesday. Arlen Ekberg, chairman of the district's three-member board of trustees, referred inquiries to a letter sent to residents.

In that letter, the district argues aging infrastructure, other projects and dwindling reserves have forced the rate increase.

"It is prudent to maintain a certain level of reserves for emergencies and capital improvements to the system," the letter states. "In order to maintain that level and cover increased operating expenses and expensive infrastructure replacements and repairs, it is necessary to increase the sewer rate."

Cottonwood Heights Mayor Kelvyn Cullimore has heard the complaints as well as the reasoning behind the increase.

"Because of aging infrastructure and project needs . . . [the district officials are] realizing if they don't raise rates significantly, they are going to be in a world of hurt, according to them," Cullimore said.

During a public hearing in late November, Cullimore argued the district could quell the residents' concerns by itemizing the upcoming expenses, which are the basis for the increase.

"For a 500 percent increase people are saying, 'That's a lot. Tell us why it's changing,' " Cullimore said.

At the same time, Cullimore says the new rate "is not out of line" because it's still lower than other sewer rates around the Salt Lake Valley.

They still may be getting a good deal for a sewer system, but the increase is a little steep for residents such as Zirker.

"It's an excessive amount, percentage-wise," he said.

jsantini@sltrib.com