Flowery Branch water and sewer users get a chance to voice their opinions tonight over a proposed new set of utility rates.

Basically, the new rate structure proposes to end residents paying different amounts based on how long they've lived in the city.

But since the council's last discussion of the matter on Aug. 26, the city has looked at how those who use less water could have smaller bills.

Current rates, with varying levels of commercial and residential charges based on usage amounts, have "established" residential customers paying $19.90 monthly for using up to 4,500 gallons of water and $22.39 for up to 4,500 gallons of sewer.

"New" residential customers, or those who moved into the city after June 2000, now pay $24.89 for up to 4,500 gallons of water and $29.87 for up to 4,500 gallons of sewer.

To have all users pay the same, established customers would now pay the new customer rate, meaning basic water-sewer rates would go up a combined $12.47 monthly, or about $150 yearly, for longtime residents.

At the council's Aug. 26 meeting, longtime resident Henry Skipper asked the council to consider a system of charging residents based on how much they use, rather than how much they can use.

And council members asked city officials to look at water usage amounts and other potential breaks for low water and sewer users.

City officials have determined 59 of the city's 943 water accounts show usage of less than 1,000 gallons per month and 90 show usage of between 1,000 and 2,500 gallons, according to a document attached to the proposed rate structure.

Based on the single-family residential rate for Flowery Branch residents, the city could charge $5.53 for up to 1,000 gallons; $8.30 for 1,001 to 2,500 gallons; and $24.89 for 2,501 to 4,500 gallons.

The single-family residential rate for users outside the city would follow the same usage structure but at a 33 percent higher rate, the document states.

The city does have a monthly discount of $10 for those who meet income requirements. The discount, which is part of the new rate structure, is open to residents 65 or older and/or who are disabled.

Twelve residents are taking advantage of the discount, city officials said.

In other business tonight, the city is considering a proposed new sign ordinance for the historic district, which was redrawn in 2008.

"Unlike decisions about signs in areas outside (the district), the erection or establishment of signs are considered a material change in appearance that require review and approval by the (city') Historic Preservation Commission," said City Planner James Riker in a document explaining the proposed ordinance.

The commission believes that the new ordinance "will streamline and make more efficient the permitting process for signs within the district," Riker said.