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Council approves waterline contract, utility billing updates and a six-month assistance pilot
Summary
Council awarded a $3.9 million waterline contract, approved a first-reading update to utility billing rules, directed a six-month $30,000 utility-assistance pilot and authorized a $143,020 task order to update the 2026 water master plan.
On April 7 the Kyle City Council took several coordinated actions on water infrastructure, billing practices and short-term customer assistance.
Waterline contract and master-plan update
Council authorized a construction contract with Guerrero Underground LLC for the Kyle Parkway Part 1 waterline project in a not-to-exceed amount of $3,899,535 (including base bid and 10% contingency). The new conveyance includes approximately 2,100 linear feet of 24-inch and 1,900 linear feet of 30-inch water main to improve transmission capacity between the Layman booster pump station and the Day elevated storage tank. Staff said the low bid was below engineer estimates and recommended the award. Council also authorized a task order with STV Inc. for a 2026 water master-plan update ($143,020) to incorporate 2025 usage data, revised development projections and tank-elevation updates; a draft is scheduled for August with a final due in October 2026.
Utility assistance pilot and billing ordinance
Council approved a six-month internal Utility Customer Assistance Program (UKAP) pilot capped at $30,000 to provide temporary relief to residential utility customers (individual assistance capped at $600). Staff designed the pilot for in-house administration with attestation-based hardship forms, deferred-payment agreements beyond the current three-month limit and limited fee waivers. Council also approved a comprehensive update (first reading) to Chapter 50 on water/wastewater billing and enforcement to modernize billing cycles, permit longer payment plans and add tools to administer assistance and voluntary round-up contributions.
Officials said the UKAP funds will come from the water and wastewater fund and that staff will develop operational details including Spanish-language materials, outreach and the mechanics for a voluntary round-up contribution. The council asked staff to return with implementation timing and budget adjustments as part of the FY27 process.
Quotes and context
"This water line is part of the corridor of large transmission pipes that avoid future duplication of investment," said Ryan Owen of STV while describing the update purpose. Finance staff noted the UKAP pilot will be monitored during the six months and staff will report back during budget planning so the council can decide next steps.
