The city of Bainbridge Island is looking to raise the cost for paper bags on Bainbridge.

Merchants on the island currently charge 5 cents for a paper bag when customers do not bring their own paper bag or use a reusable bag.

At the council meeting next week, the city council will consider raising the cost of a paper bag to 8 cents.

City officials say the increase is needed ”to be consistent with Kitsap County, Bremerton and Port Orchard.”

The city passed its paper-bag fee ordinance in 2012.

Bainbridge officials said the 8-cent fee is retained by the retailer, and is meant to offset the cost of bags and other costs.

The Bainbridge council will consider the 3-cent increase at its business meeting Tuesday, Nov. 12.

The city announced the fee increase Friday. The Bainbridge Review earlier requested a copy of the proposed ordinance for the fee increase, but it has not been released by the city.