Council approves first reading of sewer lateral ordinance setting $1,000 owner charge, with $300,000 assistance fund

The Lubbock City Council approved on first reading an ordinance that would require property owners to pay a $1,000 charge when the city repairs private sewer lateral lines located in public rights of way, and authorized creation of a $300,000 assistance program for qualifying low‑income residents.

Wood Franklin, a city staff member presenting the item, said the ordinance stems from ongoing ad hoc committee work and recent budget instructions. Franklin said the city’s capital project for lateral repairs totals about $1,100,000 and that the city averages roughly 1,100 sewer taps a year, producing a simple per‑repair calculation of about $1,000. "Based on the input from council during the budget, we bring before you this first read," Franklin said, describing the proposed $1,000 fee, an option for a 12‑month payment plan for property owners with a City of Lubbock utilities account, and a staff‑authorized assistance program funded with $300,000 from the North and East Lubbock Fund.

Council members asked for details about how the $1,000 figure was derived and whether private contractors could perform repairs. Mr. Glasheen asked how the $1,000 number was calculated; Franklin replied that it was a division of the capital project cost by annual repairs and acknowledged the figure rounds averages and excludes some intangible costs. Franklin confirmed the ordinance does not include an automatic annual escalation for the $1,000 fee; adjustments would be revisited during budget cycles.

Council member Mr. Christine framed the ordinance as a compromise that neither fully preserves private‑property principles nor maintains the previous city‑paid status. "If we're making a decision purely on the principle that the sewer lateral line is private property, then it should be repaired by private dollars," Christine said, arguing the $1,000 subsidy could discourage private industry and misalign with property‑rights principles. Other council members and staff stressed the ordinance aims to balance fiscal responsibility and resident affordability, noting the payment plan and the assistance fund.

Staff clarified that homeowners would keep the option of hiring qualified private contractors under the new ordinance; the city would still offer a $1,000 reimbursement if city crews perform the work. The ordinance as presented specifies that landlords who own rental properties would remain responsible for the $1,000 fee and, if the bill is in a tenant's name, the property owner would need to enter a separate agreement to pay via the 12‑month plan.

The council voted 6‑1 to approve the ordinance on its first reading; the record shows one dissenting vote and no named roll call in the transcript. Franklin said the earliest effective date, after required postings and the second reading, would be Oct. 28 if the council follows the schedule discussed. Because this was a first read, the ordinance requires a second reading before becoming effective.