Leon Valley Council approves ordinance to raise water and sewer rates

The Leon Valley City Council meeting on April 15, 2025, focused on a significant ordinance aimed at amending the city's water and sewer rates. This discussion marked the first reading of the ordinance, which is a necessary step as outlined by the city charter.

Public Works Director Melinda Morris presented the proposed changes, emphasizing that the council had previously voted to increase the rates, but formal approval through an ordinance was required. The adjustments are part of a broader plan to address issues within the city's water system, which had been prioritized and presented to both the council and the community in earlier meetings.

The proposed ordinance includes a five-year plan to gradually increase water and sewer rates, with a review scheduled at the end of two years to assess the need for further adjustments. The new rate structure aligns with the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) tiers, simplifying the billing process. For instance, the base rate for water will rise to $12 in the first year, with subsequent increases planned for the following years. The sewer base rate will also see an increase, starting at $15.38.

Additionally, the ordinance proposes increases in fees related to the Edwards Aquifer and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), reflecting rising operational costs. The Edwards Aquifer fee will increase from 62 cents to 70 cents, while the TCEQ fee will adjust to 5% of the total bill.

This ordinance is a crucial step in ensuring the sustainability of Leon Valley's water services and reflects the city's commitment to maintaining infrastructure while managing costs effectively. The council will continue to discuss these changes in future meetings as they seek to finalize the ordinance.