Sound Off highlights anonymous, brief takes on the news offered via telephone by Daily News readers.

The Belhaven Town Council approved an average 6-percent increase in utility bills effective Feb. 27, 2012. The average residential customer will be in for a shock when his or her utility bill next month will show a 10-percent increase with the kilowatt rate going from 14.4 cents per kilowatt to 16 cents. Wonder if the council members knew the residential rate was going up 10 percent when the vote was taken. This hurts families badly, along with the increases in gasoline prices.

Bartow Houston, you made my eyeballs sweat when you mentioned the song about the old woman who feeds the birds from the movie “Mary Poppins” in Tuesday’s column. Feeding the birds and watching them is more an experience than a hobby. I’ve turned my couch to face the windows, where my grandchildren and I spend time watching the birds and enjoying each other. Way to go.

Just wondering how any business can justify saying that it has the best facility, the best staff, etcetera, etcetera, unless everyone in the area has been polled and agree. Isn’t that public slander?

The cartoon in Tuesday’s paper is about a well-known conservative man named Breitbart who passed away a few days ago. This is unbelievable and extremely disrespectful.

Sound Off comments are screened for subject matter, clarity and length of message. Comments about private businesses (except the WDN) and some individuals are not allowed. Call 252-946-2144 ext. 235 to comment, (30 seconds maximum time). (All submissions are subject to editing).