Residents urge council to ease rising water bills as developers request city support

At the start of the meeting residents pressed council about the impact of consecutive water-rate increases and the structure of the new tiered water rates. "For 6 consecutive years, we've had water rate increases," said Daniel Haul Becker, who addressed the council as a resident and asked the city to consider funding offsets such as impact fees on development to reduce the burden on existing citizens.

Another resident, Ray Payne, described a personal example of rising bills and opposed a developer request tied to the Church Mountain agenda item. "My average water bill was $66 a month. It was $195 this last time," Payne said. He told the council that a proposed $1.3 million request for off-site infrastructure would divert funds from local street repairs that many residents were being asked to finance.

Council members acknowledged the concerns but noted infrastructure needs and long-term projects that also drive costs. Staff described upcoming large water projects and a pending application for a Texas Water Development Board grant to offset infrastructure costs; council also signaled they will review fee and funding options but did not announce immediate rate changes.

The citizens forum also included community announcements and lighter items: Dana Wall invited residents to a community —goat hike' at Ogletree Gap Park, and Louis Hunter asked staff to follow up about the type and density of development planned behind Summers Road; staff indicated they would provide additional information after the meeting. Public comment was limited to five minutes per speaker and 30 minutes total for the forum.