Some county lawmakers, including long-time north Jefferson County resident Rep. Allen Treadaway, R-Morris, say they are trying to keep the county government from charging sewer fees for non-users.

Treadaway and Rep. Owen Drake, R-Leeds, are co-sponsoring a bill that would keep the county from charging any sewer-related fees to any property that isn’t directly connected to the sewer system.

The effort is in response to a recommendation by the Jefferson County Environmental Service Department to raise fees by 24.21 percent.

Treadaway also said the situation isn’t fair for businesses or homes that can and do connect to the system.

If the rate increase happens, it will go into effect on Sept. 1 and increase from $37.74 to $46.88 a month.

Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange filed a motion on Wednesday to intervene on behalf of sewer customers. Strange is seeking to represent the customers during legal proceedings involving the rate hike.