Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Utilities Deposit Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Wichita Falls council lets real estate brokerages hold blanket utility deposits
Summary
The City Council amended city code to let licensed real estate brokerages keep blanket deposits for water, sewer and refuse while properties are marketed, replacing references to 'realtors.' The ordinance was approved by voice vote with no opposition recorded.
WICHITA FALLS, Texas — The Wichita Falls City Council on Nov. 18 approved an amendment to the city code that allows licensed real estate brokerages to maintain a blanket deposit for water, sewer and refuse services while a property is listed for sale.
City staff said the change will replace the term “realtors” in Code of Ordinances chapter 106, article 2, division 2, section 106‑62 with “real estate brokerages,” reflecting feedback from residents and local real estate professionals. Staff told the council the amendment adapts a provision similar to an existing option used for licensed builders.
“Leanne Burnett brought this up just Friday,” a staff presenter said, and staff recommended the ordinance be updated to add licensed real estate brokerages. Councilmember (speaker 12) moved to approve the ordinance as amended; council approved the motion by voice vote with no opposing votes recorded.
The change was described as administrative and intended to clarify which entities may keep a blanket deposit on file for utilities while a house is marketed. The ordinance text and the code citation were presented to council during the consent and regular agenda review. No public opposition was recorded during discussion.
The council took the action during its Nov. 18 meeting; staff did not report fiscal impacts beyond administrative implementation and said the change aligns with a policy already applied for licensed builders.
