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Council approves most consent items but tables one bundle after invoice, phone and water-billing questions
Summary
Council members approved the consent agenda with the exception of item B after members raised missing invoices, past-due balances and questions about extra city cellular lines and large water bills; council amended and passed the motion to approve the remainder of the consent items.
The Mabton City Council approved most items on the consent agenda on May 13, 2026, but tabled item B after several council members pressed staff about missing invoices and unusual utility and phone charges.
During discussion, one council member noted a recent cellular payment of "$863.99" while a past-due balance of "$1,728.36" remained on the account, asking why the city was covering the current month's bill but not the past-due amount. Council member (S5) said, "That was this month's payment. That was this month's payment. But there's a past due amount of $1,728.36." Staff (S6) explained the city's accounts-payable process and said some invoices had been returned to the city because email addresses changed earlier in the year.
Council members also questioned why the city's cellular account showed more active lines than current staff, with line costs mentioned around $59–$61 each. Council members urged staff to investigate suspending unused lines to avoid ongoing monthly charges while under contract. Staff said some lines can be suspended online but full disconnection is limited by existing contracts.
After discussion, Council member Soltero moved to approve the consent agenda excluding item B; the motion was seconded by Council member Alvarado and the amendment passed. The council approved the remaining consent items by voice vote.
The split on the consent items leaves outstanding follow-up: staff will provide the missing invoices for council review, investigate past-due balances on utility and cellular accounts, and report back. The council indicated willingness to hold a special meeting if necessary to resolve outstanding billing items.
Provenance: discussion and motion appear in the meeting transcript beginning with the consent-agenda motion (SEG 061) through the amendment and vote to exclude item B (SEG 1416–SEG 1439).
