Greenville council members, who have discussed raising sewage meter rates as a way to make up for shortfalls in the borough's sewer operating fund, on Thursday talked about the possibility of raising the flat rate that customers pay every two months as well.

The flat rate hasn't budged for five years, according to councilman Pete Longiotti.

The sewage meter rate was reduced last year. Council members said they made the move, in part, to soften the blow of a 15-percent water rate hike approved by the Greenville Municipal Authority.

But the reduction contributed to shortfalls that the financially distressed borough has had to cover out of its hobbled general fund.

The sanitary sewer authority runs the system, for which the borough picks up the tab.

"It's the ultimate responsibility of the borough to make sure that the rates cover the costs of running the system," said borough Solicitor Warren Keck III.

Council voted to lower meter rates from 74 percent of the water charge to 68 percent.

For homeowners, the flat sewage charge is about $30 on top of sewage meter fees.

The sewage meter fees are charged as a percentage of the water bill.

Under the current rate of 68 percent, a $30 water charge translates to a sewer meter charge of about $20. That charge would be just more than $22 if the rate were 74 percent.

Residents receive a single bimonthly bill for water and sewer service.

Council members said they would discuss possible rate hikes again when they meet Tuesday.