I­­­t will cost a little more to start a restaurant business in Florala after the utility board upped the deposit cost of commercial natural gas accounts Thursday.

Prior to the day’s meeting, there was a $150 deposit required to have gas in a restaurant; however, that figure was increased to $250 Thursday.

“The reason for this is that we’ve had several restaurants who use a lot more gas than water,” said board member and Florala mayor Robert Williamson. “When that business leaves, some leave owing a gas bill that is higher than the deposit they left.”

Williamson cited a recent example where a company left owing a $240 bill, meaning the board must write off the difference.

“I think (increasing the deposit) is a fine idea, because if they pay their bill, then they get that money back when they leave,” board member Brian Presley said.