HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/04/1990 City Council MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
HELD ON
SEPTEMBER 4, 1990
The Special Session of the City Council of the City of The
Colony, Texas was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on the 4th day of
September, 1990 at City Hall with the following Council roll
call:
Bill Manning, Mayor Present.
Steve Withers, Councilman Arrived 7:05 p.m.
Mike Alianell, Councilman Present.
Rob Burchard, Councilman Arrived 7:05 p.m.
Lou Gomez, Councilman Present
Joel Marks, Councilman Present
and with four present, a quorum was established and the following
items were addressed:
1. WORK SESSION REGARDING THE WATER AND SEWER RATE
Mr. James England, Finance Director used handouts and
overhead transparencies (see Attachment "A") to explain to the
council the various studies he and his staff had conducted to
come up with an alternate sewer rate. The bar graphs indicated
the number of connections at each level of usage. Mr. England
noted that the largest number of connections use between 5000 to
8000 gallons, with the most using 5000.
7:05 At this time, Councilmen Withers and Burchard arrived.
Mr. England's sewer rate analysis gave 3 different, minimum
charges and 3 minimum usages, showing monthly and annual revenue
each will generate. Mr. England had prepared 8 computer models
of exact figures for council's information to see what the
difference rates would generate in revenue. He noted that there
are few variables in these figures, stating they are within
$1000.00 of the actual amounts.
Councilman Marks asked if the City's use was included in
these figures and Mr. England advised no, that the city's water
is metered for consumption but there is no monetary value place
on that usage.
There was a general discussion regarding how the rates were
determined, winter months' average, etc. Mr. Bill Hall explained
that he had figured how one customer's account (Rooney) would
change using 4 different rates and the most. it would reduce would
be $3.16 per month (from $21.66 to $18.50), using a $9.00 minimum
and $1.50 per 1000 gallons over the minimum. There followed a
discussion regarding revenue generated with each different.
proposal versus what would be generated from the old rate. The
Council discussed the impact the various rate proposals would ~-.
have on customer's bills. Mayor Manning said the committee's
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original intent, was to raise the rates from 24% to 24% and that
the water rates hit the mark but the sewer rates were way off,
stating that a rate needs to be selected that will bring the
sewer rate in line with the proposed 24% - 25%.
Councilman Marks asked why the needed revenue has to come
out of people's pockets, why not somewhere else, such as putting
pressure on staff and council to cut the budget.
Councilman Withers said there is not much fat in the Utility
Fund, but maybe the General Fund and asked where he would suggest
cutting. There was a general discussion regarding cutting the
budget..
2. ANY APPROPRIATE ACTION TO BE TAKEN AS A RESULT OF THE WORK
SESSION
Mayor Manning said something must be done tonight on the
rates and the budget can be addressed in the budget process, also
stating that the rates can be reviewed in December for any
necessary revisions.
After more discussion, Councilman Gomez moved to adopt, a
minimum charge of $8.00 (2000 gallon minimum) and $1.50 per 1000
over the minimum until aft. er the budget is done and then look at
the rates again. Councilman Gomez said this will generate about
$98,000 a month and that. this is a happy medium. Councilman
Burchard said this will save approximately $1,00 per household
and generate approximately $1.2 million annually. Mayor Manning
said this would be based on the same 3 months winter average for
all. Councilman Gomez re-stated his motion to adopt, a new sewer
rate of $8.00 minimum charge, 2000 gallon minimum usage and $1.50
per 1000 for all over 2000. Councilman Burchard seconded the
motion.
Mr. Hall explained that there is no budget short, fall this
year and the increase had been to make up the necessary
difference in a 16 month time period, going on to say this to
cover a proposed short, fall in the 1991/92 budget year. Mr. Hall
also referred to a newspaper article from Plano in which citizens
where voicing the same complaints regarding high water usage as
those in The Colony, noting that people have used more water than
they realize. Mayor Manning said he believes the readings were
correct and Mr. Hall said we do everything we can to ensure they
are. At. this time the vote was taken and the motion carried with
a unanimous roll call vote.
Mayor Manning adjourned the meeting at 8:15 p.m.
William W. Mahning, Mayor\
Patti A. Hicks, City Secretary
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