HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- The voice of the public was heard loud and clear Monday night in City Council chambers regarding a proposed user fee hike.

Mayor Kim Wolfe wants to add $1 to the existing $2 a week fee -- a proposal that's stirring up mixed feelings. City residents packed council chambers and freely expressed their opinions.

"A dollar burden on me, I don't think that's too much to ask," resident Scott Wallace said.

Former city Councilman Tom McCallister referred to the increase as "stealing from a person."

The items to be funded with the $1.8 million from the proposed increase include seven police officers and five new cruisers, as well as $800,000 to help pave pot-hole riddled streets throughout town.

"Huntington has potential," Wolfe said. "I need your help to get it done."

Upon request by council, the finance director provided detailed information on where the user fee has been spent over the past seven years. In that report, a lot of money went toward equipment and police pension funds, while some did go for paving -- just not enough for many people. City leaders said there is nothing illegal about that.

After the finance committee received the public's input Monday, its members made a decision to support the user fee and send it back to council for a vote.