Charter Communications is raising its rates – which will be noticed by cable payers on the December bill.

In an email to Charter on Oct. 21, South Lake Tahoe City Manager Dave Jinkens said, “Raising your costs by almost 25% on Basic Cable service in these tough economic times undoubtedly impacts lower income people more heavily than others and this change concerns us. I cannot say that I understand the reason for the large increase and would ask for further clarification to inform elected leadership in our community and the public at large.

“I know these are challenging financial times for our community and operators and owners of businesses and every increase in cost impacts them.”

Charter is raising the monthly fee for basic cable service from $19.99 to $24.99. The expanded basic cable service is decreasing by $3 month, becoming $31.

In an email the city received from Franny Buffa, government relations administrator with Charter, she said the increase reflects the “increased programming fees from our suppliers, as well as the overall cost of doing business.”

Buffa may be reached at (775) 850.1267.