Residents of University Student Apartment Community (USAC) may soon be digging deeper into their pockets to pay rent each month.

Pending the Board of Regents’ vote to finalize an increase in rent, residents of USAC may have to pay an additional $24 each month, effective July 1.

Randy Alexander, director of the Department of Residence, said the increase is due to several factors, including an increase in operational costs that cover electricity, water and gas expenses, as well as salary increases.

In addition, some facilities are in need of renovations such as new vinyl flooring.

Meeting the Americans with Disabilities Act also has created more renovation projects, including sidewalks and curb cuts.

Adding playground equipment and replacing appliances has contributed to the proposed increase.

The final factor is providing each apartment with basic and expanded cable, which accounted for $7.40 of the proposed increase, Alexander said.

Carl Moen, assistant director for USAC, said the $24 rent increase is almost evenly divided among the three areas of operational costs, facility improvements and basic and expanded cable service installments.

According to area cable provider TCI of Central Iowa, the price for expanded basic cable normally costs about $25 per month, plus tax if fees are arranged individually.

Dorm floors usually are charged about $10 each month per room if fees are paid in advance for the entire year. Prices vary, depending upon the number of individuals on the floor.

Alexander said the $7.40 charge for cable is “a pretty incredible deal.”

The rent increase, which includes the addition of cable service, has provoked mixed reactions among residents living in university apartments.

Phil Frana, graduate student in history and resident of Hawthorn Court, said the rent increase is penalizing residents who currently do not have cable.

“[The $24 rent increase] adds up to a lot when you are already struggling to make ends meet,” Frana said. “The burden falls on those who don’t have and don’t want cable.”

Mary Elizabeth Christensen, resident of Schilletter Village, said about half of USAC residents have cable and are happy to receive the deal.

The other half who don’t have cable, she said, “feel cable is a luxury” and not necessary.

“I don’t feel the rent increase is unfair,” Christensen said.

Alexander said he looked into entering an agreement with TCI since some students have complained about high cable costs.

Department of Residence officials proposed a rent increase of $29 when they met with the USAC Council in February.

But after being denied, it was lowered to $24.

USAC residents were invited to attend a second meeting to discuss questions and concerns they had regarding the proposed rent increase.

At the meeting, the USAC Council voted to accept cable into the increase.

Moen said residents’ reactions at the meetings were mixed.

He said since the last meeting, only one letter of complaint about the increase has been received.

Responding to students who claim it is unfair to pay for cable, Alexander said, “Not everyone uses everything they pay for.”

He cited as an example that although all residents don’t have children to utilize the playground equipment, everyone must pay for it.

“[The Department of Residence tries] to provide a low cost alternative, but at the same time have enough amenities that appeals to a wide range of people,” Alexander said.

The Board of Regents will vote on the rent increase at its next meeting, scheduled for April 14 and 15.