Jacksonville council pauses Encore rate increase for 90 days

The Jacksonville City Council on July 8 approved a resolution to suspend Encore's requested rate increase for 90 days from the proposed effective date of July 31, 2025.

City staff presented the resolution and said it would postpone the utility's rate change while allowing additional discussions between Encore, the council and the Public Utility Commission. "[The resolution] would allow them to have some further discussions with Encore and the PUC on its effective date," a staff member said during the meeting.

Mayor Pro Tem Tim McRae moved to approve the resolution; Councilman Rob Goin seconded. The council approved the suspension by voice vote; no roll-call tally was recorded on the transcript.

The measure does not itself change rates; it defers the proposed effective date and gives staff and elected officials more time to review the request and consult with regulatory authorities. The resolution as presented directs staff to continue negotiations and provides a 90-day pause from the proposed July 31 effective date.

The council took the item up early in the meeting after staff noted Encore representatives were present. The transcript identifies an Encore representative in the room. No member of the public spoke against or for the suspension during the discussion recorded in the transcript.

The council approved the measure by voice vote; the resolution will remain in effect for the 90-day suspension unless the council acts again or the parties reach a different agreement during that period.

Votes at a glance: Suspension of Encore rate increase — approved (unanimous voice vote; record shows motion by Mayor Pro Tem Tim McRae, second by Councilman Rob Goin).