Orange County established the Efland Sewer System in the mid-1980s because septic systems were failing. It ties into nearby Hillsborough's system and also serves Efland-Cheeks Elementary School.

Over two decades, as operating costs rose, the county held rates steady. Today, the 215 customers' bills cover only about a quarter of the costs. The county picks up the rest.

Now the county staff is phasing in increases that begin July 1. Rates are set to rise from $15.20 a month for 3,000 gallons to $70.75 over the next four years. Customers who use less would pay less; those who use more would pay more.

Allison Coleman, 46, has two children and works nights as a medical laboratory technologist. She is president of the Richmond Hills neighborhood association and says while she can afford the increase, her neighbors can't. Many in the Habitat for Humanity community pay mortgages of $285 to $350 a month.

"I have a friend who's disabled; she's making it with food stamps," Coleman said. Another neighbor with four children works two jobs, she said.

"It's just a huge bump up," said Susan Levy of Habitat for Humanity of Orange County. The housing ministry built the last of its 53 homes in Richmond Hills and nearby Efland Estates a few years ago.

The county recognizes the potential hardship, engineering specialist Kevin Lindley said. It determined it could not legally help one community. That leaves the Department of Social Services and Orange Congregations in Mission, both of which help people in danger of losing utilities.

The county plans to monitor the situation as the higher rates are phased in, Lindley said. The county could elect to start a sewer assistance fund, which by law would have to be open to all county residents, at an estimated cost of $120,000.

mark.schultz@nando.com or 932-2003