TOPEKA (AP) – State regulators heard a mixed bag of comments from Topeka residents about a $32.7 million rate increase sought by Kansas Gas Service. The increase would boost residential bills by about 9.1 percent a month.

The Topeka Capital Journal reports that residents told regulators with the Kansas Corporation Commission Monday that the company should look for other ways to improve its revenues, including cutting employees’ wages.

Kansas Gas Service president Brad Dixon said the utility is trying to balance the needs of customers with those of the company and investors.

Kansas Gas also says the rate increase corrects an imbalance that tilted higher rates toward larger commercial customers.

The KCC will take more public comment in October and hold technical hearings in November. A decision is expected next year.