City officials in Langley have looked closely at the compost they sell to residents.

The verdict? Gardeners should get ready for a rate increase.

The first reading of a resolution to change the fees will be at the next city council meeting, 6:30 p.m. Monday,

July 20, at city hall on Second Street.

Proposed changes in the city’s municipal code for compost include the backhoe fee for small quantities from $5 per load to $10 per yard. The backhoe fee for loads of more than five yards would go from $20 per load to $40 for each five- yard load.

The compost is free for people who want to shovel the stuff without help.

The material is available to all county residents at a site near the city’s wastewater-treatment plant on Coles Road. Finished compost will be available July 27, city officials said.

Also at the next council meeting, officials of the state Department of Ecology will present an award to the city’s wastewater treatment plant, which received another perfect score from the agency for 2008. It is the fifth year Langley has received recognition.

A council study session will be held at 4 p.m., and will include an update on the port’s plans for the marina.