Agenda Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Regular Council Meeting June 23, 2025 Page 6 SCHEDULE," ARTICLE A10.000, "UTILITY RATES AND CHARGES," SECTION A10.003, "WATER RATES," OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF PARTS, TEXAS TO REFLECT CHANGES RECOMMENDED BY THE 2025 WATER AND SEWER RATE STUDY; PROVIDING A REPEALER CLAUSE, A SEVER -ABILITY CLAUSE, A SAVINGS CLAUSE, A PENALTY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Interim Finance Director Gene Anderson explained that the City currently had treated water contracts with four local industries and one of the requirements of those contracts was for the City to have an independent rate consultant conduct a cost -of -service study each year. Mr. Anderson introduced Chris Ekrut with NewGen Strategies & Solutions. Mr. Ekrut presented the findings for the 2025 Water & Wastewater Cost of Service Study. He said the Council had previously adopted wastewater rate increases to fund the WWTP rehabilitation and associated debt issuance and the next increase was scheduled for October 2025. He also said the last water rate increase was in June 2022. Mr. Ekrut reviewed the rate maintenance policy. Mr. Ekrut reported that the Project Team found that retail water rates were currently insufficient and recommended an 8,25% water rate increase as early as June 2025. He also reported that the Team recommended continued wastewater rate increases as detailed within the City's currently adopted wastewater ordinance. Mr. Ek -rut reviewed the proposed residential water rates and monthly water bills, as well as the proposed commercial water rates and monthly water bills. Mr. Ek -rut answered questions from City Council. A Motion to approve this item was made by Council Member Ellis and seconded by Council Member Putnam. Motion carried, 5 ayes — 0 nays. 18. Discuss and act on a services agreement with the Lamar County Humane Association in the amount of $15,000.00 for the public purpose of helping control the population of stray and unwanted animals. Ms. Beverly said for several years the City included in its budget a line item in the amount of $100,000.00-$105,000.00 for non-profit agencies that contracted with the City to provide services for public purposes, and in the FY 2024-25 funds were not budgeted for non-profit agencies. Ms. Rose explained that she had reviewed the City's non-profit contracting practices and after careful evaluation determined that City funds should be allocated only to non-profit organizations whose services directly supported municipal operations and help offset the City's budgetary responsibilities. In collaboration with Chief Salter, Ms. Beverly recommended funding for the following organizations: Lamar County Humane Association ($15,000.00), Baby Gunn's Animal Rescue ($7,000.00), and the Children's Advocacy Center ($15,000.00). Ms. Rose explained these agencies were selected based on their provisions of essential public services that would otherwise fall to the City. Chief Salter reported that the police department works really close with these three organizations. A Motion to approve this item was made by Council Member Putnam and seconded by Council Member Attebury. Motion carried, 5 ayes -- 0 nays.