Inserts mailed with utility bills to residents of Sumner included an error, but citizens won’t pay any more than they previously thought.

Water rates are increasing by 16 percent, meaning the 2011 base fee for water is $12.30.

The correct 2010 base fee for water was $10.60, not $9.12.

A rate study in February 2010 resulted in the decision to increase water rates by 24 percent and sewer rates by 19 percent.

Each utility gets money from rate payers and payments from new construction and revenue is not meeting costs.

Communications Director Carmen Palmer said the city reduced some projects and lessened the increase to 16 percent.