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Liberty Hill postpones vote on proposed utility rate increases to May 13
Summary
After a presentation by Finance Director Josh Armstrong on year‑2 rate adjustments driven by infrastructure needs, council members flagged packet-number discrepancies and asked for clearer figures — the council voted 7–0 to postpone the ordinance to May 13.
The Liberty Hill City Council opened a public hearing on a proposed ordinance to advance to year 2 of the city's utility rate study but voted to postpone action to the first meeting in May after staff and council members identified confusing packet numbers.
Finance Director Josh Armstrong presented the rate-study background and said infrastructure and growth were the primary drivers: “the main driver of that was infrastructure costs,” and that the city is projecting roughly 12% growth over the next five years. Armstrong told the council the new rates would take effect in June and appear on July bills if adopted, and that the city would mail written notices to ratepayers after a decision.
Council member Hennessy (speaker 4) and other council members questioned the percentages in the packet and flagged apparent discrepancies: Hennessy said his calculations showed about a 10.5% increase for some water minimums and noted an apparent 62% increase on outside volumetric rates as displayed in the packet. Staff acknowledged the packet contained inconsistent numbers and apologized for the confusion.
After discussion, Council moved to postpone the item so staff could provide corrected figures; the motion to move the ordinance hearing/action to May 13 passed 7–0. The mayor invited residents to return to speak on May 13 if they wished.
The postponement leaves the proposed rate changes in limbo until the packet is corrected and the council reconvenes to deliberate on the updated figures.
