An increase in the amount Granite City plans to borrow to repair its aging sewer system will not affect rate increases going into effect this month.

The City Council on Tuesday approved an ordinance to apply for a $9 million loan from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to repair sewers. City officials originally planned to borrow $7 million, but approved seeking $8 million in June.

Mayor Ed Hagnauer said the change came after the state advised them to increase the amount.

The money will be used to repair part of the city's aging sewer system, which is costing more to maintain. The repairs will take about a year.

Residential sewer bills are set to increase to $12.85 from $11.50 per month to pay off the loan.