DENHAM SPRINGS, La. — The Denham Springs City Council has increased its natural gas price to municipal customers by 20 cents per 100 cubic feet of gas and added a yearly cost-of-living increase despite public opposition. City Treasurer Clarence Speed tells The Advocate the 20-cent gas increase will cost average customers $7.77 per month. The administration had proposed a 35-cent increase, but the council's Finance Committee reduced the proposal to 20 cents at its last meeting. Lee Pitre, one of the residents opposed to the increase, told council members Tuesday that the additional money isn't needed by the city's Gas Department, but will subsidize the city's other utilities, each of which should stand on its own. The council approved the rate hike by a 4-1 vote. ___ Information from: The Advocate, http://www.2theadvocate.com

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