OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Omaha area residents will pay more for water and natural gas service next year.

The Metropolitan Utilities District board voted Wednesday to increase its rates starting in January.

Utility officials estimate that the average residential customer will pay about $2.49 more per month for natural gas and water service.

MUD Chief Financial Officer Debra Schneider says the rate increases should generate $7.6 million for the utility.

That money will cover additional personnel costs and help the utility build up its cash reserves.

Officials say water rates will go up 5.5 percent and natural gas rates will increase 2.4 percent in January.