BUTLER TWP — Customers of the Butler Area Sewer Authority will pay $3 a month more beginning next month.

The BASA board this morning approved a rate hike, increasing the monthly amount for each building receiving sewage service from $33 to $36, beginning in July.

Thomas Rockovich, BASA executive director, said in an interview the increase was needed because the authority borrowed $10 million earlier this year to make improvements to its plant.

He said the additional revenue also would fund capital improvement projects upgrading the plant and pump stations.