Crossville City Council members agreed Tuesday night to postpone further discussion of a recent 25% increase in wholesale water rates until their regular meeting next week, following pointed criticism from representatives of utilities that buy water from the city. Jeff Dyer, general manager at Cumberland Plateau Water Authority, told the council the increase came with little advance notice. Jeff cited comparisons including a separate arrangement with Crab Orchard Utility estimated at $3.70 to $3.80 per thousand gallons and other Tennessee wholesale rates closer to $3.50. Council members acknowledged that earlier budget discussions had focused primarily on equalizing rates for city and outside-city retail customers. In the meantime, staff was asked to gather additional information on the contracts and the effects on wholesale customers.