Covington Area Transit System users will likely soon see an increase in fares – albeit a slight one.

At the request of CATS director Diane Lee, commissioners voted Wednesday to hold a public hearing on the subject on July 9 at 6 p.m.

Residents spoke out last year against a rate increase; however, Lee said at the day’s meeting that additional operational funds are needed.

“There hasn’t been a rate increase since 2004,” Lee said. “The cost of fuel, the cost of salaries, everything has increase over that period.”

Currently, the fare for those residing within a city limits is $3; for those outside the city limits, but within a 35-mile radius, $6; and for those outside the 35-mile radius, $7. The fee includes two stops, and each additional stop is 50-cents. That money, or “fare box money,” is used to meet the required 20 percent local match required for federal funding.

Under the proposal, the fare would increase by $1. It would also increase the additional stop fare from 50-cents to $1, and those traveling from Florala or Opp to the Red Level area or any distance equal to that would be required to pay an additional $3.50.

In other business, the commission voted to:

• hold a second public hearing on July 9 to allow for discussion on closing a portion of Colvin Road;

• participate in the back-to-school sales tax holiday on Aug. 2-4;

• give preliminary approval to the 11-lot Top of the Lakes subdivision on Gantt Lake with private road access.