The head of Roseville's utilities department admits - asking customers to pay more for water and solid waste services isn't easy during a recession.

"It's hard to ask them to pay more anytime."

But Derrick Whitehead says operating costs are getting higher. The proposed rate increase will cover everything from stricter water treatment requirements to soaring fuel prices for garbage trucks.

Under the plan, typical customers would see monthly rates go from about $77 to nearly $84 over the next two-years.

Whitehead says that's much less than what other utilities are charging.

"They have huge rate increases to cover replacement of infrastructure that we are starting to put money aside now (for), so that we don't have that problem."

Whitehead will be taking his proposed rate adjustment to the city council tonight.

If approved, the first increase in the two-tier rate hike would begin this August, followed by a second increase next July.