SALYERSVILLE, Ky. — Magoffin County Water District customers could see a substantial increase in the bills, if a proposed rate increase gets regulatory approval.

The district filed an application for a 41 percent increase in rates in order to offset a nearly half-million dollar shortfall between revenues and expenses.

If approved, the minimum residential bill would rise from about $19 to almost $27, and the average residential bill would jump from $36 to $51.

The request must be reviewed and accepted by the state Public Service Commission, which can accept, reject or alter the proposed rates.