Big Spring council unanimously denies Atmos rate filing, approves EMS notice and several contracts

The Big Spring City Council on Feb. 25 unanimously approved a resolution to deny Atmos Energy’s proposed rate increase and took a string of other actions, including authorizing notice to local EMS contractor Allegiance while the city prepares to resume some emergency medical services, awarding a water-and-sewer construction contract for a business-park project, and approving a nuisance abatement order for 410 South Aylesford Street.

The council’s action on the Atmos Energy filing came after staff said the company initially sought about a $66,100,000 increase and has since reduced that request by about $35,900,000. City staff said the city is participating with other municipalities in negotiations and that the city’s reasonable rate-case expenses will be reimbursed if the resolution is adopted. City staff also said the city may opt out of a pending settlement by 5 p.m. tomorrow if it chooses to do so.

Why this matters: A large utility rate change affects residents and municipal budgeting, and the city joined a coordinated challenge with other cities to oppose the magnitude of Atmos’s request.

City Manager Darden described the Atmos process and the status: “they’re in the negotiation phase” and staff recommended passing the resolution to deny the filing as presented. Council voted to approve the resolution unanimously.

Council also addressed the city’s emergency medical services contract. City Manager Darden told the council the city has been working with Allegiance since the contract began and that the fire department has prepared a plan to resume more EMS responsibilities. The contract requires 90 days’ notice to terminate (which would be March 1 if the city chose that route), and staff proposed amending the contract so the city could shift to…