Only two residents spoke at the public hearing Monday, Feb. 11, on a water rate increase for Dillsboro Utilities customers.

Lydia Amm said when she read about the rate increase, she thought she would have to pay for 4,000 gallons of water each month.

“I use hardly a thousand,” she said, explaining she lives by herself.

Consultant Pat Callahan, CPA, who completed a water and sewage rate study for the town, explained federal agencies estimate 4,000 gallons is what the average residence uses. That's why he uses that figure in his reports.