FLINT -- A large water rate increase will go into effect for Flint residents next month.

The City of Flint has posted the Water and Sewer rates for the 2012 fiscal year.  Those new rates will cost community members 35% more.

In a written statement, City of Flint Finance Director Michael Townsend stated, “"This water rate structure should provide adequate revenues to cover the Detroit rate increases while providing for the requirements of the Drinking Water Revolving Fund bonds.  This is expected to be the only water and sewer rate increase that will be but into effect during fiscal year 2012."

"It is important to have the required water and sewer fund balances in place in order to provide necessary services in those areas and to protect the City of Flint General Fund from additional liabilities,” Mayor Dayne Walling wrote in the same release.  “The General Fund provides for public safety services and I am committed to maintaining the current police levels."

The price hike begins on September 16^th.