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Terrell postpones proposed water/sewer connection‑fee hike after council seeks itemized costs and oversight
Summary
Council postponed ordinance 3126 after members raised concerns about an apparent 40% increase for some connection fees, inconsistent published rates, and substandard repair quality following utility cut-ins. Staff agreed to provide itemized cost breakdowns and oversight language.
Council postponed action on a proposed update to water and sewer connection charges (ordinance 3126) after a lengthy discussion about the size of some increases and post‑repair quality control.
Staff explained the proposed changes reflect increased materials and labor costs and are intended to recoup the city’s expenses for utility tap‑ins and associated paving when the city performs the work. Example figures presented compared past published fees of $17.50 to proposed fees in the thousands for some tap sizes. Councilmembers called for an itemized breakdown showing materials, asphalt, subbase and labor costs and asked for stronger inspection and oversight of both in‑house and third‑party repairs so residents do not get ‘‘speed bumps’’ where cut‑in repairs occur.
Councilmember Stephanie Holmes Thomas moved to postpone ordinance 3126; Bill Robinson seconded the motion, which carried. Staff acknowledged published fee schedules in the code did not reflect some prior changes and said they will compile historical ordinance references, an itemized cost analysis and language for post‑repair inspection and oversight to return to council.
