“Due to an overwhelming negative reaction from the public, I am requesting that the members of the Princeton Water and Wastewater Commission each submit their resignation to me immediately,” the letter states.

“I feel that the Commission’s sudden announcement of such a drastic increase in the city’s water and sewer rates shows an appalling amount of irresponsibility in your duty to the public to manage the financial resources of the city’s water and wastewater options,” it concludes.

Letters were sent to board members Barry Banister, Sam Koltinsky and Chairman Jim Bob Kevil. Board member Kelsey Crisp submitted his resignation Friday morning.

Hughes said the move was the only power she had in the situation, where board members proposed an average rate increase of 40 percent for city customers.

“And I’ve had several personal requests that I do this,” she said.

Henry Smith, the city council representative on the water commission board, will be replaced with another council member, she said.

The mayor said her main concern in regard to the rate increase was its effect on current industries, their expansion plans and overall city and county appeal to future industries.

“I will do my best to see that they grow and expand, if they so choose,” she said.

Hughes informed Water Commission Superintendent Virginia Routen of her plans before the letters were mailed Friday.

The rate increase is unrealistic, Hughes said. “Nobody increases — in municipal government — anything 40 percent.”

Furthermore, the abrupt conclusion to a special commission meeting Thursday was “way out of line,” she said.

Kevil adjourned the meeting shortly after 4 p.m., while citizens and merchants opposing the increase voiced their concerns.

The adjournment was the wrong way to handle the situation, said the mayor.

Discussion of the water issue will resume at a meeting of the Princeton City Council at 5 p.m. Monday.