AMMON, Idaho -- The meeting for public comment on Ammon’s proposed water rate increase drew plenty of interest from locals Thursday night.

The City Council gave residents the chance to speak out against the proposed rate hikes.

In 2007, Ammon residents were hurting for reliable water with good pressure and voted for a slight increase in their fees to pay for an upgraded system.

Now, the work is nearly finished and the $15 million bill needs to be paid.

As a result, rates could double and even triple for some people.

One of the biggest worries comes from larger families who are against a metering system which would most likely cause their bill to skyrocket.

“We try to water on the days when we are supposed to, and being good citizens, and then a bill like this hits, and it really angers me because sometimes I can’t wash the shampoo out of my hair, and I’m being asked to pay more,” said Lorna Erickson of Ammon.

Another major worry had to do with those on a fixed income. If the system stays as it is, many say widows and widowers would most likely be paying for water they aren’t using.

“I understand they probably have to increase it a little bit, but they should have done this over the years instead of all at once,” said Lance Walker of Ammon.

City Council members say no decisions will be made until everyone has had a chance to speak.

“I understand they have a big bill that needs to be paid, but it’s not our fault,” said Walker.