Residents in the Municipal District of St. Stephen will see their tax rates go up in the new year.

Councillors approved the municipality’s $13.4-million general operating budget on Wednesday.

That is an increase of 7.6 per cent or more than $950,000 over the 2023 budget.

Those living within town limits will see their tax rate climb 6.25 cents to $1.6261 per $100 of assessment.

Rural residents will see increases of between 3.51 and 3.89 cents, depending on where you live.

The new tax rates in rural areas of the municipality will range from 57.21 cents to 60.10 cents.

Water and sewer rates will also go up in 2024, with residents paying an average of $28 more for the entire year.

The water and sewer budget increased 8.8 per cent year over year to nearly $2.9 million.