Small Town News

City may eliminate utility fee reduction

---

The Burnet city council last week took the first step toward eliminating a promised fee reduction for the city's electricity users.

Last year the council adopted an ordinance with a rate increase of $8 for some customers and $12.62 for others to pay for an automated meter reading system. That increase was set to expired in April of this year.

Assistant City Manager David Vaughn recommended to council members last Tuesday that the scheduled fee reduction be eliminated in order for the city to be able to pay 130,000 for new breakers mandated by the Lower Colorado River Authority.

The council then voted unanimously to approve the first reading of the ordinance. A second reading will be scheduled before April .1 and if it is approved the ordinance will be adopted and the fee increase horn last year will remain in place.

In his presentation to the council, Vaughn indicated the fee increase will likely remain in place indefinitely.

"There is a good chance it won't be coming off," he said. "Once you put something like that on it is hard to take it off.

"As councilman (William) DeLeon said at the time we put the increase on, there is always going to be something to come up that will probably prevent taking it off."

Mayor Alan Smith said in an interview after the meeting it is regrettable the fee increase will not be coming off electricity customers' bills, but it is necessary because the $130,000 for the new breakers is an unexpected mandatory expense.

"I do think we (the council) we were a little overly aggressive in promising the increase would be removed," Smith said.

Vaughn said keeping the fee increase in place will save the city an estimated $300,000 a year.

In other action, the council: Approved the awarding of ten inanition services contract to KC Engineering, Inc. for inspection services on new steel water line construction and water tank repairs.

Approved the first reading of an amended subdivision ordinance to make it more comprehensive and user friendly for citizens, developers and city workers.

Approved the construction and paving of a 110-foot by 150-foot parking lot at Wallace Riddell Park for the Fire Department administration building.

Approved an addendum to a development agreement with Payne Miller Properties allowing construction of a model home in the subdivision before required improvements in the subdivision are complete.

Approved a resolution ordering a general election May 8 for the council positions currently held by Bill Flynn, William DeLeon and Pat Riddell. All are completing their second terms and are eligible for one additional two-year term.

Approved a contract with Burnet County Elections Administration to conduct the election.

Set 10 a.m. March 10 at City Hall as the date and location for a drawing to establish positions on the May 8 election ballot. Candidates can file for election from Feb. 6 to March 8.

Approved acceptance of a grant and reporting agreements with the Texas Water Development Board for acceptance of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds for the installation of new water lines along Hwy 281 and 29.

Heard a report from Fire Chief Mark Ingram recapping the recent Insurance Service Office review and suggestions on improving the city's current insurance rating from a four to a three and possibly a two, resulting in considerable savings for homeowners and businesses.



Copyright 2010 Burnet Bulletin, Burnet, Texas. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2010 Burnet Bulletin Burnet, Texas. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

More from Burnet Bulletin