Bowie council approves first reading of water-rate increase to build reserves for plant upgrades, 5-1

The Bowie City Council voted 5-1 to approve the first reading of Ordinance 2025‑O2, which raises water usage charges while keeping base meter rates unchanged.

Councilmembers and staff said the additional revenue will be set aside to pay engineering fees and to begin building funding for a series of water-system projects, including pump and plant upgrades and multiple water-line replacements. Councilmember Walker cast the lone dissenting vote; five other councilmembers voted in favor. The ordinance will return for a required second reading on April 8 and, according to council remarks, will take effect immediately after that meeting if adopted then.

City staff described the scope and estimated costs of the work the rate increase is intended to fund. A staff member estimated the replacement cost for a critical pump at between $900,000 and $1 million and said broader plant upgrades were estimated at $8 million to $10 million. Replacing a main line along Terence Street and crossings was described as roughly $2.5 million to $3 million, while a separate line to the lake was estimated at $3.5 million to $4 million. One staff summary said the total need was likely in the $19 million to $22 million range. “Anything that anybody learns, the longer you wait to do something the more it will cost us,” a staff member said during the discussion.

Council and staff also described regulatory pressure from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Staff said the city has requested a variance from TCEQ to delay compliance and that if the city reaches a defined 85% threshold the city would be required to take corrective steps. Staff said the vote was intended to be proactive so the city could plan and pay for engineering work rather than being directed by the regulator.

On the mechanics of the increase, council discussion clarified that the ordinance does not change base meter charges; it raises the consumption charge by $2.50 per 1,000 gallons. Council and staff explained the usage charge moves from $4.73 per 1,000 gallons to $7.23 per 1,000 gallons after the increase.

Councilmembers and staff also noted local growth is increasing demand on the system. Staff reported roughly 800 additional meters since 2021 and recent tap activity, including two taps at Silver Lake and additional taps now on the books.

The council voted on a motion to accept the ordinance as presented. The council’s roll call produced five votes in favor and one opposed; the council confirmed the item will return for a second reading on April 8 and that the increase would take effect after that second reading if adopted then.

Less-critical details included staff plans to bring periodic reports on how much of the increased revenue can be restricted monthly to build the engineering fund.

The discussion and vote were part of the council’s regular meeting agenda.