BANGOR, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- People in Bangor could soon see an increase in their city water bills.

The Bangor Water District is waiting to hear back from the Maine Public Utilities Commission about a proposed eleven-percent rate increase that would take effect July 1.

According to the district, the average residential bill would see a six-cent increase per day and about a $23 increase per year.

At a public hearing tonight, District Manager Kathy Moriarty said even with the increase, Vangor will continue to have one of the lowest water rates in Maine. She says a rate adjustment is needed because costs are up and revenues are not keeping pace. And there is the matter of unfunded mandates from the environmental protection agency.

BANGOR, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- The Bangor Police Department is hosting its annual bike auction this weekend. The police department has nearly 70 bikes to auction off. The proceeds will benefit the police departments community policing program. The auction is Saturday at the Bangor Parks and Rec department on Main Street. There's a preview of all the bikes at 8am. The auction will start at 9:00am.

ORONO -- University of Maine veterinarian Anne Lichtenwalner, director of the UMaine Animal Health Laboratory, is available to discuss precautions people can take to reduce or avoid exposure to rodents that could be carrying the potentially fatal respiratory disease, Hantavirus, which was discovered in Maine for the first time recently.

"Now that a human case of Hantavirus respiratory syndrome has been diagnosed in Maine, it’s a good idea to review how to minimize any risk to humans due to this disease," says Lichtenwalner. "It simply boils down to keeping rodents out of your house, barn or camp."

Lichtenwalner can discuss methods to reduce or eliminate the presence of rats and mice that could be carrying the virus.

"If you are going into a camp, shed or other building that may have rodents living in or around it, wear a mask," she says. "Open the door and let it air out for 30 minutes before you go in.